| Using SCUBA equipment and the line intercept transect (LIT), the effect of physical factors and human impacts on coral distribution were studied in two Red Sea sites (Sharm El Loly and Tobia Kebir) throughout the period from September, 2003 to October, 2004. The percentage cover of coral species in Northern Sharm El Loly was higher than in Tobia Kebir which might be attributed to optimum temperature and better light intensity. Diving, swimming, boat anchoring and fish feeding by divers are the main human impacts decreasing the percentage cover of corals at Tobia Kebir but fishing seems to have no role due to its limited level. The lower recorded amount of dead corals at Sharm El Loly though it is highly affected by fishing boats, is due to the fact that... |
