A benthic habitat sensitivity analysis of Qatar's coastal zone

• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112333
• Publication Date: 2021-04-16T22:00:55Z
• Authors: Josh D. Butler; Lotte M. Purkis; Sam J. Purkis; Ruqaiya Yousif; Ismail Al-Shaikh
• Keywords: Marine habitats; Marine protected area; Peninsula; Benthic Habitat

Characterizing benthic habitat sensitivities of rapidly-developing countries is paramount importance. Recent efforts defining the Qatar's coastal zone with a high-resolution, ground-truthed map has provided framework on which to develop sensitivity map. Here we present analysis catered towards identifying habitats varying natural and anthropogenic stressors quantitative scale from 1 5, low high. We have identified that majority area risk (i.e. sandflats). However, there are six areas assigned as high by virtue their rich occurrences seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, coral reefs - [1]. The offshore Al Zubarah west coast peninsula; [2] Ruwais fringing reef northern tip [3] east-coast bays Khor Dhakira; [4] shore-attached complex off Mesaieed (east coast); [5] Jazirat al Bushayriyah high; and, [6] entire shelf Halul Island. presented here builds recently-developed covers total 4500km2. Results gleaned this can be used support marine spatial planning objectives ecosystem-based management decision making.