COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT IN BAHRAIN - AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF DREDGING AND RECLAMATION

During the past decades, a number of sites along the coast of Bahrain have been either reclaimed or dredged. A total area of approximately 34 km2 was gained through these operations. These operations, as carried out in Bahrain, have drastic effects on the coastal marine ecosystems and environments. They have induced siltation, increased turbidity of the sea-water and of the salinity of the island's ground waters. They have further degraded the biosystem, with many coral colonies, mangroves and sea-grass beds destroyed. Additionally, these effects have several social and economic impacts on the society and economy of Bahrain. Various dredging and reclamation activities and their environmental, social and economic impacts are discussed. An integrated environmental planning model is briefly elaborated and a number of recommendations are made. © 1991 Academic Press Limited.