Ammar MSA, El-Gammal F, Nassar M, Belal A, Farag W, El-Mesiry G, El-Haddad K, Orabi A, Abdelreheem A, Shaaban A. 2013. Review: Current trends in coral transplantation -an approach to preserve biodiversity. Biodiversitas 14: 43-53. The increasing rates of coral mortality associated with the rise in stress factors and the lack of adequate recovery worldwide have urged recent calls for actions by the scientific, conservation, and reef management communities. This work reviews the current trends in coral transplantation. Transplantation of coral colonies or fragments, whether from aqua-, mariculture or harvesting from a healthy colony, has been the most frequently recommended action for increasing coral abundance on damaged or degraded reefs and for conserving listed or "at-risk" species. Phytoplanktons are important for providing transplanted corals with complex organic compounds through photosynthesis. Artificial surfaces like concrete blocks, wrecks or other purpose-designed structures can be introduced for larval settlement. New surfaces can also be created through electrolysis. Molecular biological tools can be used to select sites for rehabilitation by asexual recruits. Surface chemistry and possible inputs of toxic leachate from artificial substrates are considered as important factors affecting natural recruitment. Transplants should be carefully maintained, revisited and reattached at least weekly in the first month and at least fortnightly in the next three months. Studies on survivorship and the reproductive ability of transplanted coral fragments are important for coral reef restoration. A coral nursery may be considered as a pool for local species that supplies reef-managers with unlimited coral colonies for sustainable management. Transplanting corals for making artificial reefs can be useful for increasing biodiversity, providing tourist diving, fishing and surfing; creating new artisanal and commercial fishing opportunities, colonizing structures by fishes and invertebrates), saving large corals during the construction of a Liquified Natural Gas Plant.

The present status and future needs of four coral reef sites (Taba, Nuweiba , Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh) along the Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt were evaluated. A total of 60 quadrats, distributed at different depths or different patches were surveyed at each site during the year 2007. Three mooring buoys were reported only in Ras Umm Seid but nothing was found in other sites, however excessive boating and diving pressure were recorded only in Ras Umm Seid. Highest amount of garbage was recorded in Nuweiba, patrolling efficiency was best in Taba but no patrolling activities were recorded in other sites. Ras Umm Seid (Sharm El-Sheikh) had the highest amount of dead corals (13%) due to increased boating and diving pressure compared to other sites, however Dahab had the lowest amount of dead corals (4%) due to the rough conditions (strong wind and waves) causing difficulties in accessing that site. Nuweiba and Taba had high percent cover of sands (10% and 11%, respectively) playing a key role in the considerable amount of dead corals in both sites. Lowest % new coral recruits in Taba (0.5%) was associated with the soft sandy bottom, the opposite was true in Sharm El Sheikh due to the rocky bottom. Future needs of the studied sites include decreasing the number of divers to the diver carrying capacity (DCC), repair of existing buoys and incorporation of 5 more buoys in Ras Umm Seid. Other sites have no future needs in these regards as they are far beyond the DCC. Nuweiba needs first of all to be cleaned, then being protected for giving the chance of recovery. Except for Taba which has efficient patrolling, the other 3 sites need efficient terrestrial and marine patrolling as well as enforcement of EEAA regulations. However reef access points which were absent in all sites need to be established to minimize reef damage on accessing deeper water. Also, the environmental awareness field signs which were absent in all sites need to be established and managed. Taba is recommended as a protected area as it has the food for threatened species beside being useful as a nesting site. Ras Umm Seid is recommended to have a established artificial reef to draw the attention of divers and snorklers from the natural reefs and prepare artificial shelters for fishes thus promoting the fish resources.

New Sohag City has an area of approximately 1300 acres (546 hectares) and is located within Sohag Governorate limits, about 18 km away from old Sohag City. It is established to reduce the population within the old Sohag city and to create better economic conditions in a new appropriate living environment. The main target of this study is to apply the relevant surface geophysical methods to image the shallow subsurface setting, to define the shallow lithological layers and to locate any geological structures that may be cause cracks in buildings, and any unstable materials, which may decrease the bearing capacity or human activities, hence increasing hazards in the study area. This study embraces, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Shallow Seismic Refraction (SSR), and Ground Penetrating Radar surveys (GPR). The integrated interpretation of all techniques classified the subsurface layers into two layers. A strong reflector separating the upper gravel and calcareous sandy layer from the lower clayey layer. They gave also interesting information about the geotechnical competent of the ground and some structural features in the study area.

Today, many recreational waterfront developments are only superficially pleasant as they lack significant design qualities needed by users. Notions on waterfront qualities create communication gaps between a designer vision and end-user perception. Designers might formulate objectives and ideas on waterfront qualities without adequately understanding the true needs and preferences of users, which encompass aspects deeper than merely visual features. This study evaluated the design quality of the recent development of Jeddah north Corniche. It aimed to analyse the relationship between physical patterns and users activity patterns, which will assert in understanding how seafronts physical pattern produces different social interactions; and how these activity–physical pattern relationships make this public realm work or not. This research employs questionnaires data collection method to interpret the activity patterns that appear to relate with particular use of design features. Analysing this relationship will conclude seafront socio-physical design principles, which take into account users preferences and the unique characteristics of Jeddah location and its Islamic culture, and encourage excellence in the design quality of urban waterfronts; focusing on creating prosperous, sustainable and liveable social environments. In addition, it will add insights and complement the application of urban design theories and practices, which could lead to further studies aiming to improve recreational seafronts design quality.

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