This study uses a fringing coral reef in the Red Sea as a model
for integrating scientific research on reef status with specific
management suggestions. The coral damage index indicates
abundant coral rubble (past damage) and broken colonies (recent
damage), in particular of fragile, branched colonies. The cause is
a combination of uncontrolled recreational activities (swimming,
snorkelling) and reef trampling by tourists and local net fishers.
We propose a zonation for different use categories, including
implementing a snorkelling trail at a back reef site (‘ecotourism
zone’) already heavily used by tourists.
This approach was supported by a questionnaire-based socioeconomic
survey that showed interest in nature to be the
greatest motivation factor for diving and/or snorkelling activities
here. Beginners e who tend to cause the most damage e were
prepared the most to pay to visit such an underwater nature trail,
including the costs for a guide and/or guide book. Briefings,
training and guided tours would help protect the reef,
increase its carrying capacity, create jobs and involve the local
community. This approach has broad applicability wherever
tourism and fishing rely heavily on intact, extremely shallow
reefs.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Moustafa Fouda (Nature Conservation Section
NCS of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency EEAA) and
Ayman Mabrouk (Nabq Managed Resource Protected Area MRPA)
for granting research permission and supporting the project.
Andreas Tischer and Hans Lange (DiveIn Dahab and DMRC)
provided support for field work and laboratories. Jörg Ott supervised
the Master’s theses of the first two authors. Thanks to Stefan
Heinisch for providing advice in preparing the questionnaires, to
those who helped translate the questionnaires, and to the dive
centres involved in Dahab. This study was financially supported by
the International Office of the University of Vienna (to J. Hannak)
and by the APART-programme of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
and the Austrian Science Fund