Publications
Diversity, Abundance and Distribution Patterns of Epibenthic Echinoderms in Dungonab Bay, Red Sea, Sudan
Dungonab Bay, part of the UNESCO-listed Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park in Sudan's Red Sea, supports a rich and diverse community of epibenthic echinoderms. A study recorded 986 individuals across 16 species, with Holothuriidae being the dominant family (5 species, 342 individuals). Pearsonothuria graeffei was the most abundant species (77 individuals, ~7.81%). Spatial variations in abundance were insignificant, and diversity indices indicated high richness, evenness, and diversity (H' = 2.738, J' = 0.9875, d = 2.791). Distribution patterns varied between clumped and uniform, except for Asthenosoma varium, which consistently showed clumped distribution. The study highlights the ecological significance of Dungonab Bay as a biodiversity hotspot, contributing to conservation efforts in this UNESCO-protected region.
Red Sea Coral Reef Monitoring Site in Sudan after 39 Years Reveals Stagnant Reef Growth, Continuity and Change
A long-term study spanning 39 years reveals stagnant reef growth and shifts in coral community composition at the UNESCO-listed Sanganeb Marine National Park, despite its remote location. The research, using repeated photomosaic surveys, found a significant decline in net accretion rates—over 80% slower than in previous decades—alongside changes in dominant coral species (e.g., increases in Pocillopora verrucosa and decreases in Acropora cytherea). While overall community structure remained stable, species-level shifts and rising uncolonized substrate suggest impacts from climate change, including bleaching events. This study provides one of the longest benthic community time series for the Red Sea, offering critical insights into reef resilience and vulnerability.
Sanganeb Atoll
Sanganeb Atoll, located in the Sudanese Red Sea, stands as a unique marine ecosystem within the northwest Indian Ocean biogeographic region, which lacks any UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study highlights its significance through its distinct topography, bathymetry, oceanography, and biodiversity, emphasizing its potential for global conservation recognition. The research traces Sanganeb's transformation from a lighthouse to Sanganeb Marine National Park (SMNP) and its subsequent inclusion on the World Heritage List, underscoring the role of legal protection, public education, environmental monitoring, and scientific research in this process. Supported by PERSGA in 2004, SMNP developed a site-specific master plan with management guidelines, reflecting its ecological importance and the Sudanese government's efforts to secure its heritage status.
Composition, distribution and biometric aspects of sea grasses beds along the Sudanese red sea coast
A comprehensive survey of seagrass meadows along the Sudanese Red Sea coast identified ten species, including Thalassia hemprichii and Halophila ovalis, marking their first recorded presence in this region. The study, conducted across six sites using line transects and quadrates, revealed significant variability in shoot density (ranging from 2 to 8050 shoots/m²), shoot height (1–72 cm), and above-ground biomass (8.9–985.9 g dry weight/m²). While most physical parameters remained consistent across sites, water transparency was notably lower near areas of high coastal activity, suggesting anthropogenic impacts. This research provides critical baseline data for understanding seagrass dynamics in the Sudanese Red Sea, which is essential for conservation efforts and ecological assessments.
Concentration of Heavy Metals in Sediment and Seagrasses Tissue of the Red Sea Coastal Water of the Sudan
A study measuring heavy metal concentrations in sediments and seagrass tissues along the Sudanese Red Sea coast revealed significant pollution levels, particularly at Marsa Dama Dama and Marsa Halout. Marsa Dama Dama showed elevated concentrations of lead (60.5 μg/g), cadmium (0.22 μg/g), and chromium (146.65 μg/g) in sediments, while Marsa Halout exhibited the highest nickel concentration (14 μg/g). Seagrass tissues displayed variable metal uptake, with lead concentrations ranging from 3.9 to 26.25 μg/g, showing significant site-specific differences. The study used atomic absorption spectrophotometry for lead, cadmium, and nickel, and a colorimetric method for chromium, providing critical insights into coastal environmental health in the region.
Dungonab Bay
Dungonab Bay, located within the Sudanese Red Sea, exhibits unique ecological characteristics that distinguish it from other marine environments. Notably, the bay is marked by a scarcity of corals and reef fish, with Galaxea coral being relatively abundant instead. Research highlights the presence of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) in 1974, which posed a threat to coral populations. Additionally, while pearl oyster spat were collected near the bay's entrance, wild pearl oysters were not common. The study also notes the local distribution of the echinoid D. setosum, whose feeding activities significantly impacted hard substrata by removing algae, coral planulae, and other invertebrate larvae. These findings are based on transects 4–13 within the bay area, initially described by Dr. Cyril Crossland and William Reed, who recognized its potential for pearl oyster cultivation.
Fish in Dungonab Bay
Dungonab Bay, a semi-enclosed marine environment within the Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park, exhibits unique fish community dynamics. Unlike typical coral reefs, this bay is characterized by muddy seabeds rich in burrowing invertebrates, which limits the presence of reef-building corals. Galaxea becomes the most abundant coral genus here, contrasting with its status elsewhere, while Chaetodon larvatus dominates among butterflyfishes, often feeding on soft corals like Xenia. Notably, planktivorous species such as Pseudanthias squamipinnis are absent, likely due to limited branching coral cover and low plankton abundance. The bay also shows a higher prevalence of predatory species, including groupers (Anyperodon leucogrammicus and Epinephelus merra) and barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), alongside fewer smaller coral-associated fish. These findings highlight the distinct ecological characteristics shaping Dungonab Bay's marine biodiversity.
Fish Recorded at Reef Sites
A key finding from this study is that fish species with broad vertical depth ranges tend to be more widespread and less selective in their habitat preferences, though exceptions exist. For instance, the species Acanthurus sohal, despite having a narrow depth range (20 m), shows a high occurrence rate (46%) due to its preference for shallow zones behind reef crests. The research analyzed fish data collected from 30 transect sites and observations around the Conshelf 2 underwater garage on Shaab Rumi, focusing on relative frequency, distribution by depth, species diversity in Dungonab Bay versus external sites, and the relationship between maximum depth range and occurrence percentage. Conducted in 1972–1973, this study provides valuable insights into fish behavior and habitat selection in coral reef ecosystems.
Fish Surveys
A survey of fish species in Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park revealed notable differences in fish diversity and community structure compared to other Red Sea reefs. The study recorded 204 fish species, with a mean of 10.5 species at seven sites in Dungonab Bay, contrasting sharply with 28.9 for other reefs. Coral diversity was also limited, dominated by Galaxea, and specific species like Chaetodon larvatus were abundant, feeding on soft coral Xenia, while Pseudanthias squamipinnis was absent. Predatory groupers and barracudas were more prevalent in Dungonab Bay, indicating a distinct ecological profile. The findings highlight the unique dynamics of Red Sea reef communities, where species exhibit different spawning cycles than their Indian Ocean relatives, with peaks in winter rather than summer.
Sea Urchins' Impacts on Coral Reefs
A decline in the population of Diadema setosum, a key sea urchin species, between 1998 and 2001 correlated with reduced coral growth in the Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park. This long-spined urchin plays a dual role: at moderate densities (e.g., 16 individuals per m²), it promotes coral growth by creating fresh surfaces for settlement while grazing on algae, but excessive populations can disrupt reef ecosystems by removing coral larvae and overfeeding on algae. Observations near Dungonab Bay revealed that high Diadema concentrations often coincided with declines in healthy coral colonies like Galaxea, highlighting the species' paradoxical impact on reef dynamics.
Seagrass Species Composition and Distribution in Coastal Water of the Red Sea in the Sudan
A study of seagrass species composition and distribution along the Sudanese Red Sea coast revealed that Dungonab Bay, within the Sanganeb Marine National Park and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park, supports the highest biodiversity with seven species and an average total percentage cover of 36.56%. Thalassia hemprichii emerged as the dominant and most widely distributed species, while Halophila minor, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassodendron ciliatum were found in only one site each. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in seagrass percentage cover between species but not between sites, with environmental factors such as water temperature and pH showing negative correlations, whereas salinity and transparency exhibited positive correlations with seagrass cover. This research highlights the ecological significance of Dungonab Bay and provides insights into the environmental conditions influencing seagrass distribution in the region.
Home sweet home: spatiotemporal distribution and site fidelity of the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in Dungonab Bay, Sudan
Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) exhibit strong site fidelity to Dungonab Bay, Sudan, with individuals displaying seasonal shifts in habitat use likely driven by resource availability. Acoustic telemetry data revealed high residency rates, while satellite tags documented movements up to 125 km from the bay, though all individuals returned, underscoring their attachment to this coastal area. The study highlights the importance of Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park (DMNP) as critical habitats for M. alfredi, providing essential insights for conservation and sustainable ecotourism management within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Living conditions and coping strategy of coastal communities contribute to the environmental integrity at the world heritage site of Dungonab Bay Mukkawar Island Marine National Park at the Sudanese Red Sea coast
A study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dungonab Bay-Mukkawar Island Marine National Park (DMNP-WNH) reveals that extreme poverty and limited living conditions among coastal fishing communities contribute to the environmental integrity of the site. Households in Dungonab and Mohamed Gol villages face severe deprivation in basic amenities like water, electricity, education, and healthcare, with 82.9% to 91.2% of households spending more than they earn. This economic hardship restricts access to fishing grounds and limits population growth, thereby reducing the consumption of natural resources. The research highlights that improving living conditions—such as access to clean water, electricity, and livelihood diversification—could stimulate a sustainable blue economy while preserving the site's environment.
Distribution and diversity of fish species along the Sudanese Red Sea coast based on three combined trap and gillnet surveys
A study conducted along the Sudanese Red Sea coast revealed that Dungonab Bay, a protected marine area, exhibits the highest species richness and functional diversity of fish, as well as the highest catch rates when compared to other regions. This suggests that northern areas closer to Dungonab Bay are more pristine than those near Port Sudan, which is closer to major human population centers. The research, spanning three surveys from 2012-2013, used baited traps and gillnets to sample fish assemblages across various reef habitats, providing a critical baseline for understanding biodiversity and fish abundance in this region. These findings underscore the importance of ecosystem-based management to preserve these resources before irreversible impacts occur.
Status of the Beach Litter in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dungonab and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park in Sudan, Red Sea
Beaches within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island Marine National Park (DMNP) in Sudan's Red Sea were found to be relatively clean, with an average density of 0.4 items per square meter, primarily due to locally sourced marine litter rather than long-distance accumulation. Plastic debris dominated the collected litter, accounting for 57.23% of the total 3037 items sampled over a 10-month period across six sites. The study, conducted quarterly from January to October 2017, revealed a steady decrease in beach litter flux—from 21.9 to 16.43 items per 100 meters per day—suggesting limited external marine litter input. This baseline assessment highlights the potential for targeted interventions, such as waste management and recycling initiatives, to further improve beach cleanliness and support sustainable tourism in this protected area.
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