Known for its garden-like coral formations and abundance of marine life, the park is being confronted with the negative impact of rising temperatures and pollution, Fadi Sharaiha, executive director of the Royal Marine Conservation Society (JREDS) told The Jordan Times.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts a rise in sea temperature between 1.4ºC and 5.8ºC by the end of the century, and coral reefs have been shown to be particularly sensitive to warming, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

As surface temperatures have risen, many reefs have “bleached”- meaning they expel the colourful algae that produce foods on which they rely. If temperatures remain too high for too long and the bleaching persists, the coral dies, the WWF warned.

Changes in sea temperatures could also affect biodiversity, as the number of male and female offspring is determined by temperature for marine turtles, as well as some fish and smaller animals on which many marine animals feed, according to Sharaiha.

“Climate change would cause a change in the sex ratio and threaten species survival in the Red Sea,” Sharaiha said, noting that oceans are becoming acidic due to the increased amounts of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activity.

“It is becoming more difficult for marine life to ‘breathe’ and achieve the oxygen levels they need to survive," he said, pointing out that while climate change poses a significant challenge to the marine environment, human activity poses equally significant challenges.

"When winds blow plastic bags and other items into the sea, they cover the coral, thus cutting off their source of sunlight and oxygen. Fish and sea turtles die because of ingested plastics or entanglement in discarded fishing nets,” he added.

The JREDS director called on members of the public using docks and participating in water sports to be more responsible towards the environment, a behavioural change which he called “difficult”.

“Trying to change the mindsets of some from the older generation is as good as hopeless; that is why we are focusing our education programmes on the youths in our schools,” he said.

Although keeping the beaches clean ultimately prevents trash from being carried by the wind into the water and onto the reefs, oil slicks, pesticides and other chemicals, heavy metals and garbage still affect Aqaba’s waters, he noted.

Silt from development projects churned up from the sea bed covers coral formations, preventing sunlight and oxygen from reaching these delicate structures while chemical pollution such as sewage from boats and ships poison coral polyps, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"We need citizens to obey environmental laws and to take responsibility for their actions. We need the Marine Park Rangers to continue to enforce the laws when there are infringements, especially since we are seeing more and more fishing nets strangling reefs and turtles,” Sharaiha said.

“What we have seen is a ‘red flag’; we cannot tolerate this type of mentality or irresponsible behaviour anymore in light of climate change,” said Sharaiha.

“Global warming is already increasing challenges to the reefs; humans can reduce the degree of stress by modifying their practices,” he said, warning: "Extinction is forever."

How to preserve Aqaba’s reefs

Do:

* Throw rubbish into the provided bins - not on the beach or into the sea.

* Report dumping or other illegal activities. Environmental enforcement rangers cannot be everywhere and your involvement can make a big difference.

* Support conservation organisations. Many of them have coral reef programmes, and your much-needed monetary support will make a big difference.

* Surf the net. Many different addresses exist to link you to information about coral reefs and what you can do to become involved. Start with the JREDS website: www.jreds.org.

* Volunteer for a reef or beach cleanup. Contact JREDS (Amman:06- 5676173; Aqaba: 03-2022995) for dates and details of cleanup campaigns.

Don’t:

* Use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilisers. Although you may live hundreds of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products end up in the groundwater and ultimately the sea.

* If you dive or snorkel, don’t touch. Take only pictures or memories and leave only bubbles. Keep your fins, gear and hands off the coral as contact can hurt you and will damage the delicate coral.

* Anchor on the reef. If boating near a coral reef, tie up to the mooring buoys. Jet skis and fishing are not allowed in the Marine Park. Learn the boundaries of the Marine Park. Fines up to JD10,000 are in place for violators who damage the reefs.

* Buy seashells, live coral or coral jewellery for sale anywhere. Buying these products only encourages suppliers to remove more from the sea.