Study the Impact of the Anthropogenic Activities on the Marine Environment of Fujairah Offshore Waters of UAE Based on Baseline Surveys and Buoy Data

Abstract

As Fujairah comprises extremely diverse natural landscapes which enforce us to protect and understand possible risks and challenges faced by the coastal waters of Fujairah, it is critical to mitigate, reduce, and eliminate the risks. The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the effect of such anthropogenic activities on the offshore waters of Fujairah. Accordingly, two buoys were deployed after conducting a baseline survey for 30 locations targeting areas affected by the anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, two sites were chosen for the buoy deployment, nearshore which is across the desalination plant (Qidfa) and offshore which is across the oil and gas facility port (Skamkam). After analyzing the water quality measurements taken for 1 year from both deployed buoys and compared it with the baseline survey measurements, an indication of water quality deterioration in nearshore and offshore buoys was evinced, and the nearshore site which located in Qidfa has a higher deterioration in water quality measurements compared to the offshore site located in Skamkam. A long-term monitoring program needs to be conducted to gather additional data on water quality over several years to help identify the seasonal variations, trends, and long-term changes in water quality.