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Ayla Oasis Lagoons: A Model for Ecological Sustainability and Marine Conservation in Aqaba, Jordan

Author

Listed:
  • Ali Al-Sawalmih

    (Marine Science Station (MSS), University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan)

  • Nader Alshammari

    (Ayla Oasis, Aqaba 77110, Jordan)

  • Haya Altaleb

    (Bánki Donát Faculty of Mechanical and Safety Engineering, Obuda University, 1034 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Raid Al-Jawasreh

    (Marine Science Station (MSS), University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan)

  • Rawan Maitah

    (Marine Science Station (MSS), University of Jordan, Aqaba 77110, Jordan)

Abstract

The Ayla Oasis in Aqaba, Jordan, is a major tourism and residential development project in Aqaba, Jordan, containing three artificial lagoons. This study explores the ecological sustainable development of Ayla Lagoons, focusing on the seawater and bottom sediment quality, and the bottom habitat, in addition to coral conservation and restoration initiatives. The flushing time, averaging 3.7 days for the Upper Lagoon and 2.4 days for the Middle Lagoon, plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality. These measures secure the well-being of all visitors and residents, while also preserving the marine biodiversity. The Upper, Middle, and Tidal Lagoons exhibit physiochemical properties in alignment with seawater characteristics of the Gulf of Aqaba. Sediment quality analysis shows organic carbon levels and grain size distribution vary among lagoons, indicating expected different energy conditions and a healthy environment. The lagoons support a diverse range of species, with a total of 2343 fish individuals belonging to 22 species across 17 families recorded. The comprehensive analysis of the Ayla Oasis lagoons’ seawater and sediment quality revealed a dynamic and resilient ecosystem. Ayla’s coral conservation and restoration initiative within its lagoons feature 166 reef balls, 5 coral nurseries, and 2 metal structures, all designed to foster marine biodiversity. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of Ayla Oasis’ environmental resilience and monitoring strategies, showcasing a commitment to sustainable management and environmental stewardship. These efforts reflect Ayla’s ongoing dedication to protecting and preserving the marine ecosystem, ensuring the long-term health of its coral reefs and surrounding marine life.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali Al-Sawalmih & Nader Alshammari & Haya Altaleb & Raid Al-Jawasreh & Rawan Maitah, 2025. "Ayla Oasis Lagoons: A Model for Ecological Sustainability and Marine Conservation in Aqaba, Jordan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1279-:d:1584033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lisa Boström-Einarsson & Russell C Babcock & Elisa Bayraktarov & Daniela Ceccarelli & Nathan Cook & Sebastian C A Ferse & Boze Hancock & Peter Harrison & Margaux Hein & Elizabeth Shaver & Adam Smith &, 2020. "Coral restoration – A systematic review of current methods, successes, failures and future directions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(1), pages 1-24, January.
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