Coastal zone management in Dubai with reference to ecological characterization along Dubai Creek

Abstract

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a dynamic process in which a coordinated strategy is developed and implemented for the allocation of environmental, socio-cultural, and institutional resources to achieve the conservation and sustainable multiple use of the coastal zone. The present study titled “Coastal Zone Management in Dubai with reference to ecological characterization” is an effort to consider critical water quality and ecological issues in the current and future coastal zone of Dubai Creek. The work included water quality, ecology and numerical modeling for predicting future conditions. This study is utmost significant due to management of critical coastal environmental issues (fish mortality, bad odour, unaesthetic view, algal bloom etc.) in Dubai Creek besides protection of internationally recognized bird sanctuary (Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary) and sustainable multibillion dollar of property developments as an extension of Dubai Creek. Comprehensive attempt made to collect primary data on water quality and ecology during 2005 and 2006 from specific monitoring stations spreading along Dubai Creek. The pragmatic results in Dubai Creek are alarming; the upper region is susceptible to high organic pollution which exhibits 3-122 folds high nutrients levels while biodiversity in the same region at the seabed is almost died and non-existing. The current assessment suggests a policy for the ICZM and an “Immediate Action Plan” for the beneficial and sustainable development of Dubai Creek. The study recommends the following mitigation as a tool for the management strategies of Dubai Creek lagoon: Dredging in the lagoon of Dubai Creek. --

Tertiary treatment of wastewater from Awir STP prior to discharge into the Creek or divert the discharge from the lagoon of Dubai Creek. --

A new Government Decree for the water quality thresholds in Dubai Creek.