Potential risk and control of contamination in the gulf of Aqaba-Jordan

The Gulf of Aqaba (GOA) has a semi-enclosed nature that has led to its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. This nature, which results in low water circulation and renewal, along with the rapid development of industry, tourism, and transport in the area, has made it susceptible to marine pollution and ecosystem degradation. The present paper discusses the potential risks to the GOA ecosystem resulting from a number of activities. These include coral reef damage caused by tourism, oil spills, waste oil contamination and air pollution associated with land transportation, solid waste disposal, phosphate dust deposition from ship loading activities, chemical and thermal pollution from coastal industries, and sewage discharges into the marine and terrestrial environment. Management and control of these potential risks requires regional cooperation with the riparian countries.