Coral Reefs in the Red Sea

Coral reefs in the Red Sea vary in diversity, thriving further away from coastal cities and settlements, and farther from river estuaries. Approximately three hundred coral species are found in the Red Sea, particularly near the coasts, benefiting from conditions ideal for growth and reproduction due to the absence of rivers, low rainfall, minimal tidal fluctuations, and moderate water temperatures

The spread of coral reefs in the Red Sea has been facilitated by several factors, including the widening of the shallow continental shelf and the location of the Red Sea in the tropical region, where the water temperature is high, salinity is moderate, water clarity is good, and there is bright sunlight. These factors have contributed to creating a suitable environment for coral growth and reproduction along the Red Sea, especially along the coast, except for areas near river estuaries and regions impacted by human and industrial activities on the coasts.

Most of the islands in the Red Sea originated from coral reef remnants, confirming that many of its islands are situated above coral reefs, surrounded by lagoons, barriers, and coral rings. This type is widespread in the Red Sea. It is submerged in tidal waters, and some of its formations appear during low tide. The proliferation of these reefs extends further south in the sea. The coral reefs of the Red Sea are characterized by their diverse shapes, patterns, and colors. Some appear as coral clusters adjacent to the shores of islands and around them, formed by the accumulation of coral, organic, and calcareous materials. They often pose obstacles to navigation due to their shallowness and proximity to the surface. Some reefs emerge above the water's surface as heads, while others form barrier reefs further from the shore, serving as anchorage points and barriers for ships and boats.

Some coral reefs in the Red Sea. (SPA)

Coral formations often appear in the form of rings with shallow lagoons inside, sometimes incomplete, resembling lagoons. Along the coasts of the Kingdom, on the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, large groups of coral reefs have spread in the Kingdom's maritime areas. They are concentrated along the coast, adjacent to it, and around the islands, in addition to other scattered groups extending into the sea.

Coral reefs thrive abundantly near the Gulf of Aqaba's entrance, positioned between Tiran and Sanafir islands and the coast. Along the Saudi coast north of the Red Sea, they concentrate near and along the coast to near ‏al-Lith City, gradually proliferating and expanding westward in the sea to cover approximately fifty NM at its maximum reach into the sea. Afterward, the reefs continue to approach the coast, encircling islands until the southern end of the Saudi coast. They are distinguished by being rugged, close to the sea surface, and have protruding peaks. Notable among the Kingdom's Red Sea reefs are al-Shaqa’eq, al-Bahm, al-Balad, Abu Shusha, al-Dark, al-Jadeer, Mubarak, Abu Sadin, al-Shu’ayba, al-Sabaa, al-Suflani, al-Khamsa, al-Qarsh, Nizar, Abu Modafe’, al-Kabir, al-Mismari, al-Shuja’a, Janabiyat, al-Jarm, and al-Dara.