The 2022 report on Israel’s National Monitoring Program in the Northern Gulf of Aqaba reveals a continued decline in the state of coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba. The ecosystem is suffering due to rising Red Sea temperatures, pollution, storms, and disease outbreaks. The Israeli Environmental Protection Ministry emphasizes the need to mitigate impacts from development, including artificial lighting, at the Red Sea resort. Concerns also arise from the expansion of Eilat’s desalination plant potentially increasing sea pollution. Damage from a 2020 storm led to a 6-22% reduction in living coral cover. Though a 2022 recovery was observed, climate change and irresponsible development threaten the reef’s future.
Prelims pointer
- Red Sea: A saltwater inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia, known for its diverse marine life and coral reefs.
- Desalination Plant: Infrastructure that converts seawater into fresh water, often causing environmental concerns due to the discharge of concentrated brine and other byproducts.
- Coral Cover: The percentage of a reef’s surface area covered by living coral, an indicator of the reef’s health and vitality.
- Sea Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances into the ocean, negatively impacting marine life and ecosystems.
- Environmental Protection Ministry: A government department responsible for environmental policies and regulations aimed at preserving natural resources and ecosystems.
