Underwater survey work.

Coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba are deteriorating and have been classified as being in a critical stage. Artificial reefs were suggested as a tool for conservation and restoration of marine habitats including coral reefs. Several artificial reefs were created in the northern Gulf of Aqaba and more are being considered.

However the relationships between coral reefs and man-made structures are poorly understood. The purpose of our work, to be carried out in Jordan and in Israel, is to examine specific impacts of artificial reefs on surrounding natural reefs. Results will help providing guidelines for artificial reefs deployment in both countries.