Mapping of benthic habitats in northern Safaga Bay (Red Sea, Egypt): a tool for proactive management

1. The spatial distribution of the most important subtidal habitats (coral reefs, coral carpets, seagrass meadows, sand with corals, macroids, mud, ha rdgrounds) and mangroves was mapped in northern Safaga Bay, Red Sea, Egypt. Coral communities were analysed separately for their ecological and spatia l patterns. This, coupled with information about major current patterns in the bay, provides a framework on which to base impact predictions for plann ed developments or for those already underway. 2. Because the entire shoreline of northern Safaga Bay is earmarked for tou rism development, the following impacts have already been observed and can be expected to worsen: dredging, coastal infilling, marina construction, al teration of inshore current patterns as a result of breakwater construction and eutrophication. 3. The maps of habitats could be used by management authorities to either l icense or forbid these activities in specific areas, thus avoiding damage t o sensitive environments. Properly used, resource mapping is a powerful pro active management tool that allows resource managers to anticipate and avoi d impacts at an early stage in the process. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.