It is understood that plans are already under way for the development of the Aqaba South Coast into an elaborate sport and recreational area. This project provides for construction of bungalows, hotels, camping areas, holiday villages, villas, continuous bathers' onshore belts and swimmers' areas protected with wire nets. A few piers and a harbour for boats are also included in the design. The total number of beds to be provided for tourists is about 3 600. Such an ambitious tourist development plan leaves very little space in the limited land area available, for other programmes. The areas suggested for oyster culture studies (vide para 7.3) will not, however, interfere with development plans.
The volume of cargo traffic and tourist boat movements in the Gulf is expected to increase considerably during future years. The limited programme of coastal aquaculture possible in the Gulf will, thus, have to be oriented and adjusted to this eventuality. It is hoped that certain areas of the coastal waters, as suggested in this report, will still be available for aquaculture purposes.
At present pollution does not appear to be serious at Aqaba. However, since there is no regular inflow of fresh water and the Gulf ends blindly in the north, it would be desirable to take preventive measures at the present stage.
Oil pollution: The importance of Aqaba Port is increasing steadily and it is necessary to ensure that oil pollution does not increase. The Port regulations prohibit throwing overside of rubbish and pumping out silage water or balast and it will be essential to adhere to these instructions strictly. The ships using the port should flush out and clean their tanks only outside the Gulf or possibly the Red Sea.
Municipal and domestic pollution: Although the city sewage is not being discharged into the sea, there is indiscriminate dumping of domestic wastes in the coastal waters of Aqaba City. Measures to restrict this may be taken up on a priority basis. The future plans for developing Aqaba South Coast should be implemented keeping in view the pollution problem.
The Gulf of Aqaba is a very interesting biological area and the variety of fishes, corals, molluscs etc. inhabiting the same are valuable natural treasures, the conservation of which is of primary importance. Evidences of wanton destruction of fishes and corals are apparent and it is necessary to prohibit such acts. The indiscriminate use of traps by private persons, collection of corals and shells by unauthorized agencies and use of explosives to catch fish will have to be strictly prohibited.
