Quantitative Assessment of the Intertidal Environment of Kuwait I: Integrated Environmental Classification |
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| Authors: | D Al Bakri M Behbehani A Khuraibet |
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| Institution: | aOrange Agricultural College, The University of Sydney, PO Box 883, Orange, 2800, NSW, Australia;bDepartment of Zoology, University of Kuwait, PO Box 5969, Safat, 13060, Kuwait;cDepartment of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Public Authority of Applied Education, Shuwaikh, Kuwait |
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| Abstract: | Quantitative analysis of physical, chemical and biological data of the intertidal zone in Kuwait was undertaken to develop an integrated basis for assessing and protecting this sensitive coastal ecosystem. Cluster analyses were performed to determine the resemblance between the sampling stations based on the sediment composition, the benthic macrofauna and the physico-chemical characteristics of the intertidal sediment/water. Five distinct sub-environments were delineated within the intertidal zone of Kuwait. Each sub-environment was described in terms of number of taxa, mean density of organisms, sediment type, tidal level and dominant organisms. The physico-chemical parameters investigated were found to be unimportant in the distribution of the intertidal benthic macrofauna. On the other hand, sediment type was found to be a major factor in the overall composition of the benthic community. The benthic fauna and related characteristics of the sub-environments could be used as indicators to monitor changes in the intertidal ecosystem and as guides to protection and management of the different coasts. The approach described in this paper could also be adopted elsewhere to provide a sound basis for evaluating environmental impacts and for developing sustainable coastal management. |
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| Keywords: | intertidal ecosystem benthic fauna sediments physico-chemical parameters cluster analysis sustainable coastal management |
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