Threats to Biodiversity
In Bahrain biodiversity faces many threats some of which include dredging and reclamation, urbanisation, pollution, overfishing and industrial and ship waste. Drivers behind these threats include hindered biodiversity governance and low compliance with regulatory measures in addition to low awareness level among Bahraini's community, uncontrolled economic growth and non-conformity wwith the standards of sustainability.
| Release date | 08/10/2015 |
|---|---|
| Contributor | Reem Al Mealla |
| Geographical coverage | Bahrain, |
Terrestrial
Bahrain’s continuously increasing population has put huge pressure on Bahrain’s limited natural resources. Despite the rapid pace of development in Bahrain, it is unlikely that the desert habitat is at immediate risk which is attributable to its extensive spatial coverage. In contrast, it is probable that the biological wealth of the agricultural, inland waters, as well as marine and coastal habitats is threatened at present. The total area of date palm farms has declined due to the accelerated urbanization in the northern part of the country. Palms groves, which were once almost flooded by freshwater, now require surface irrigation. Without doubt, the status of the biologically rich freshwater springs is critical. They have vanished because of the over-abstraction of underground waters. Invasive species – Red Palm weevil.
Photo Source: CISR (2015) Red Palm Weevil [Online] Available from: <http://cisr.ucr.edu/red_palm_weevil.html> Accessed on 8 October 2015
Marine
Most intertidal habitat types extending along the northern and north eastern coastline of the country have been modified by coastal development. This is particularly true for mudflats and mangrove swamps in Tubli Bay which had been subjected to unsustainable reclamation activities undertaken during the 1950s. The remaining mangal in Ras-Sanad appears overall healthy, but given its current limited geographical area, it is likely that this habitat type is threatened. Sea grass meadows still cover a considerable proportion of shallow waters around
Coral reefs are naturally under considerable pressure because of the high salinity and temperature levels as well as the shallowness of seawater around Bahrain. In 1998, a bleaching event resulted in massive coral mortality (> 90%) at most reefs of Bahrain. This extreme conditions are set to worsen with climate change continue posing further threat. Fish stocks also suffer from overfishing and damaging fishing practices which result in bycatch.
