Mapping of benthic habitats in northern Safaga Bay (Red Sea, Egypt): a tool for proactive management

摘要: 1. The spatial distribution of the most important subtidal habitats (coral reefs, coral carpets, seagrass meadows, sand with corals, macroids, mud, hardgrounds) and mangroves was mapped in northern Safaga Bay, Red Sea, Egypt. Coral communities were analysed separately for their ecological patterns. This, coupled information about major current patterns bay, provides a framework on which to base impact predictions planned developments or those already underway. 2. Because entire shoreline Bay is earmarked tourism development, following impacts have been observed can be expected worsen: dredging, coastal infilling, marina construction, alteration inshore as result breakwater construction eutrophication. 3. maps could used by management authorities either license forbid these activities specific areas, thus avoiding damage sensitive environments. Properly used, resource mapping powerful proactive tool that allows managers anticipate avoid at an early stage process. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.