Remote sea-surface temperature variations (2001–2019) in Kuwait Bay: Time series analysis in frequency and time domains

There is a recognized need to analyze the temporal changes of sea surface temperature in various water bodies, especially the semi-enclosed ones, because of the direct link between sea temperature and aquatic biodiversity. There has been substantial research undertaken on the role of time series analysis as a powerful technique for studying the characteristics of long-term SST changes at regular time intervals. The present paper aimed to study the monthly-averaged MODIS SST data (2001–2019) over Kuwait Bay, i.e., the northwestern corner of the Arabian Gulf. Because different approaches can yield different results, the analysis of the SST time series was conducted using time and frequency domains. The preliminary analysis of the time series reported a significant SST peak in August 2010 that reached nearly 34.2 °C (SD = 0.17 °C) due to the moderate intensity El Niño event in 2010. However, in the preceding year, we observed a cool SST anomaly in the range of –0.5 °C to –2.4 °C. From the SMK trend test, we found that monthly climatological SST in September exhibited a significant upward trend (𝑆9 = 103, 𝜏 = 0.6, 𝑃 = 0.0004). Pettitt’s changepoint test indicated a significant change in the central tendency of SST data after April 2012. The annual periodicity of the SST in Kuwait Bay was constant over the 19 years. Furthermore, a very weak periodicity of 6-month has been barely noticed. Our present results provide large-scale guidance that affirms the importance of highlighting the severe SST fluctuations in Kuwait’s water in order to understand and improve its marine environmental status.

Managing the Hazards of Aeolian, Fluvial and Coastal Erosion in Gudhi Area-Northern Kuwait Bay

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research plans to set up some research facilities within the Gudhi area, which lies north of the coastal spill of Kuwait Bay. The area is about 653,000 m2, the region highly sensitive from an environmental perspective and ecological. It is a coastal strip dominated by rich fauna and flora mainly Nitraria retusa forming large nabkhas that attract many wildlife scientists. The presence of nabkhas is a good indicator of fluvial and aeolian activities in the area. The establishment of infrastructures within this area is anticipated to cause significant damage to wildlife. Additionally, any future infrastructures in the area is under the following threats: 1-S and encroachment as it is located within an active wind corridor. 2-Fluvial action during flood seasons as it is located at downstream of Jal Al-Zur watershed. 3-The wave erosion along 1200m coastal margin. As an important role of KISR is the attention and care regarding the environmental aspects associated with project actions, therefore, it is proposed that a proper scientific research project should be implemented prior to the establishment of any infrastructure development. The main objective of this study is to assess and control hazards in the Gudhi area by implementation of native plants and mangroves landscape design. Assessment and monitoring of fauna and flora have provided initial information on existing vegetation, soil properties that are considered important to quantify ecological conditions prior to actual vegetation plantation establishment or restoration effort. Nitraria and Lycium populations were found the most proper in controlling hazards of mobile sand and flush floods for the study area.

Temporal variations in abundance and species richness of phytoplankton with emphasis on diatoms in the subtidal waters of Umm Al-Namil Island, north-western Arabian Gulf of the ROPME Sea Area

Aim: The present study aimed to understand the physico-chemical factors affecting the abundance and species richness of phytoplankton communities, with emphasis on diatoms at the end of the intertidal zone and start of subtidal zone. Methodology: Water quality and phytoplankton community species richness and abundance were measured in the subtidal waters of Umm Al-Namil Island, Kuwait Bay. Kruskal-Wallis statistical approach was used to measure the effect of various environmental parameters on abundance and species richness as well as abundance-species richness relationships using R statistical software. Results: The physico-chemical parameters showed variations at each sampling event as well as within the same season. Total phytoplankton mean abundance values in summer (22.26 ± 0.66 ind. 5l-1) and winter (21.63 ± 0.52 ind. 5l-1) did not significantly vary and the lowest mean abundance was observed during spring (26.36 ± 0.33 ind. 5l-1). Species abundance showed clear pattern with the events, resulting in somehow a negative relationship. Mean species richness was highest during autumn (24.59 ± 1.51), while no significant difference was observed between spring (11.09 ± 0.33), winter (10.47 ± 0.51) and summer (10.11 ± 0.66). The results indicate that phytoplankton species richness and species abundance in Umm Al-Namil Island varied temporally in response to fluctuations in environmental conditions. Interpretation: The end of intertidal zone and beginning of subtidal zone is affluent in diverse forms of phytoplankton species, specifically diatoms since Kuwait Bay is a eutrophic area mainly due to sewage and urbanization. Therefore, a temporal monitoring is required in order to observe any changes in either physico-chemical or biological factors with time and that will help in future conservation and restoration programs. Conservation approaches should be considered seriously since some diatoms like Melosira moniliformis, Gyrosigma diminutum, Fragilaria martyi, Hemidiscus cuneiformis, Planktoniella sol and Amphiprora plicata have been observed only at one event despite abundance and season.