I know that the Arab gulf is not the only place in the world where marine ecosystems are being ruined by development but the rapid development of the mega structures on the coast could have so many unpredictable results.
Historically it seems that humans have always found it easy to ignore damage in the sea, from dumping waste to the rise of the whaling trade we just love to cause destruction. I believe we find it so easy because we simple have the attitude of out of sight out of mind.
When we cut down the rainforests it is easy to see, when we create massive landfill sites we see it when we create concrete jungles clogged with pollution we see it. But the waves cover the marine world so that most of us never notice the growing wasteland. Such a simple part of our psyche could have such a large impact.
The image attached was taken by me in the red sea the first time I went snorkling and I was amazed by the fish I saw and coral I enjoyed. But I noticed the large amount of corals suffering with bleaching even then. My first experience was tinged with sadness but it also opened my eyes to the dangers the marine world is suffering.
Comments
Imagine if a company were to be request a licence to harvest or catch land based animals by drag net... a huge net dragged through the countryside and forests to catch Grey squirrals (often considered pests) ripping out everything in its path - and argue that they will only keep the grey squirrals and throw everything else back in! Trees, animals, birds, habitats, environment and ecosystems are destroyed.
Small suggestion - never buy shells or corals from shops anywhere - find your own dead ones on the beach. These shops encourage trade in taking living creatures for decoration.
Rich Turner