Regular observations were carried out in the Gulf of Aqaba (Jordan) for a period of more than two months in order to find out the suitability of the area for developing coastal aquaculture. The major factors considered were: type of area, rainfall and weather conditions, tidal fluctuations, water characteristics like temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity etc., primary productivity, general nature of soil, plankton, intertidal fauna and fish seed availability.
Preliminary feasibility studies were conducted by making regular observations in three test pits and one test pond, and on the nature of oyster spat settlement and rate of growth of oysters.
Background information on the fish and fisheries of the Gulf was gathered from different sources with a view to understand the species composition and scope for taking up aquaculture.
On the basis of the results obtained, proposals have been made for a one year programme of investigations on the abundance and distribution of seed of finfish and shellfish and detailed feasibility studies on oyster culture for three years in selected areas of the Gulf.
