Bio-monitoring of coral reef health based on benthic foraminifera in Makadi Lagoon, Hurghada, Red Sea Coast, Egypt: Application of the standard FoRAM index

Abstract

The Red Sea Coast near Hurghada City is under continuous development in the tourism sector because of its natural heritage of corals reefs. This region is one of the favorite destinations of leisure tourism throughout the world. These activities lead to high environmental stress that affects the water quality and growth of coral reefs. The Foraminifera in Reef Assessment and Monitoring index (FoRAM Index) is one of the cost effective and fast results methods of bio-monitoring. The FoRAM Index is applied in the Makadi and Ras Disha Bays near to Hurghada. Topographic analysis shows that the tourist facilities are concentrated at the outlet of the low gradient valleys especially at Makadi bay. The FoRAM Index is supported with a statistical analysis of the foraminiferal association that resulted in the identification of three microtypes. These microtypes are stress tolerant rich Microtype 1, heterotrophic foraminifera rich Microtype 2 and symbionts-bearing foraminifera Microtype 3. The foraminiferal population pattern in these microtypes is similar to the groupings of the FoRAM Index. The values of the FoRAM Index range between 3.8 and 6.8 and these values reflect healthy water that supports the growth of coral reefs. However, a degradation gradient occurs in Makadi Bay indicating the impact of concentrated tourism activity on the water quality. The values observed in Ras Disha Bay can be considered as background for spatial and future studies. The FoRAM Index is a highly recommended application for economic and rapid bio-monitoring. The results are valuable for stakeholders planning for sustainable development and management of ecotourism.