Post on 17-Mar-2023
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Introduction
This is the Egyptian point of view on the
likely impacts of alien species crossing
Suez Canal due to the expansion project
launched in August 2014. It is based on
scientific evidences available in the
international literature and Egyptian
studies made in the Suez Canal for more
than 60 years. Data were analyzed
thoroughly and the possible
environmental, economic and health
impacts are considered.
This present report provides a review of
the Suez Canal since it was opened in
1869, a description of the new expansion
project, facts on the alien invasive
species in eastern Mediterranean, biota
of the Suez Canal, Egyptian
commitments to international and
regional conventions, and mitigation
measures implemented by the relevant
authorities in Egypt. The Suez Canal
expansion project is designed to have
minimal impacts on the sensitive marine
environment.
I- The Suez Canal:
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level
waterway in Egypt, connecting the
Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
Opened in November 1869 after 10
years of construction, it allows ships to
travel between Europe and South Asia
without navigation around Africa
thereby reducing the sea voyage distance
between Europe and India by about
7,000 kilometers. When built, the canal
was 164 km long and 8 m deep. After
several enlargements, it is 193.30 km
long, 24 m deep and 205 meters wide. It
consists of the northern access channel
of 22 k, the canal itself of 162.25 km and
the southern access channel of 9 km.
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Seawater flows freely through it. In
general, the canal north of the Bitter
Lakes flows north in winter and south in
summer. The current south of the lakes
changes with the tide at Suez.
The current Suez Canal is a single lane
with 4 double passes and 6 bypasses at
Port Said, Ballah, Timsah, Deversoir,
Kabrit and Bitter Lakes. The time spent
to cross the Suez Canal varies from 12 to
18 hours. On a typical day, three
convoys transit the canal, two
southbound and one northbound. The
passage takes between 11 and 16 hours
at a speed of around 8 knots (15 km/h; 9
mph). The low speed helps prevent
erosion of the banks by ships’ wakes.
The canal allows passage of ships up to
20 m draft or 240,000 deadweight tons
and up to a height of 68 m above water
level and a maximum beam of 77.5 m
under certain conditions. About 20,000
ships of different sizes passes through
the canal annually.
II- Description of the Suez Canal
expansion project
Within the framework of increasing
world trade, increases in size of ships,
and the need of the Egyptian economy to
develop its resources, it was imperative
to expand the current Suez Canal to cope
with the increasing future world trade.
The Suez Canal expansion project is
well planned based on scientific
evidence and in consultation with the
relevant international organizations.
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The expansion project is restricted to
specific sites along the Suez Canal, from
kilometer 50 to 122 (72 km) at Bitter
Lake (27 km west of the canal), Timsah
Lake (35 km), and at Ballah (10 km).
The objective of this expansion to
connect the existing 6 by passes together
and double the longest possible parts of
the water way to facilitate traffic in the
two directions, and to minimize the
waiting time for transiting ships from 18
hours to only 11 hours. This will allow
move ships (up to 97) to pass through
Suez Canal, and accommodate large
ships.
The advantages of this project are:
- Increase national income from
foreign currency.
- Increase carrying capacity of Suez
Canal by 50%.
- Contribute to the ever increase of
using Suez Canal as international
navigation canal, hence raise its
classification.
- Increase the capacity of SC to allow
97 ships in 2023 instead of current 49
ships.
- Success of the Suez Canal
Development project will transfer
Egypt into international trade and
logistic hub.
- Reduce the cost of crossing ships to
attract more ships, and reduce fuel
consumption, hence reduce global
warming.
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Comparison between the Current Suez Canal and the New Expansion
Project
Advantages of the Expansion Suez Canal Project
Issue Current Situation Future Suez Canal
Number of ships (45 – 66
feet) can cross Suez Canal
daily
- Northern convoy no
more than 8 ships
- Southern convoy allows
all ships to cross daily
45 ships with more than 45 –
66 feet can cross Suez Canal
without stopping, in both
directions
Direct crossing of all
convoys without stopping
Only one convoy cross
directly
Allow 45 ships to cross non-
stop in each direction
Navigation Safety Navigation ceases when an
accident occurs
In case of emergency, an
alternative route ensures
navigation to continue crossing
Suez Canal
III- Egyptian commitments to
International and regional
conventions
1- Convention of Biological
Diversity (CBD)
- Article 8(h) calls each
contracting party, as far as
possible and appropriate, to
prevent the introduction of,
control or eradicate those alien
species which threaten
ecosystems, habitats on species.
- Since CBD COP6 in 2002, the
issue of invasive species was
discussed, guiding principles
were provided, and a specific
target (9) (Biodiversity Strategic
Plan 2011-2020) on invasive
species was approved, where by
2020 invasive alien species are
identified and prioritized, priority
Issue Current Situation After Construction
Time of first north convoy
from Port Said southward
18 hours, including waiting
at lakes.
Approximately 11 hours direct
crossing
Number of hours waiting
in Bitter Lakes, depending
on number of ships
8 – 11 hours waiting 3 hours waiting if number of
ships exceeds 45 ships
Time of 2nd
north convoy
that wait at western Ballah
6 – 8 hours depending on
number of ships
2nd
north convoy be joined
with first to save waiting time
in Ballah
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species are controlled or
eradicated and measures are in
place to manage pathways to
prevent their introduction and
establishment. COP 12 (October
2014) in South Korea, confirmed
that alien invasive species
represent danger to biodiversity,
human health and sustainable
developments. It welcomed
partnerships and programs on
alien invasive species, and
requested Secretary General of
CBD to facilitate regional
projects, capacity building, and
policy tools for decision makers,
and assess the socio-economics
of environmental impacts of
invasive species. All issues
raised by CBD are being
implemented in Egypt.
2- Barcelona Convention:
Article 4 (C,D) on environmental impact
assessment
(c) Undertake environmental impact
assessment for proposed activities
that are likely to cause a
significant adverse impact on the
marine environment and are
subject to an authorization by
competent national authorities;
(d) Promote cooperation between and
among States in environmental
impact assessment procedures
related to activities under their
jurisdiction or control which are
likely to have a significant adverse
effect on the marine environment
of other States or areas beyond the
limits of national jurisdiction, on
the basis of notification, exchange
of information and consultation;
Article 15 on Public Information and
Participation
Several workshops were held, and the
first public hearing was made.
3- United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea
Article 196 on use of technologies or
introduction of alien or new species
Appropriate measures have been taken,
and new ones are being considered by
the Egyptian Authorities.
IV- Analytical review on alien species
in the Mediterranean Sea
- The Mediterranean Sea in
particular has seen successive
waves of introductions. Its biota
consist of a mosaic of formally
alien species of different
biogeographic affinities, reflecting
its eventual geological history
- It is impossible to prevent
movement of marine creatures, but
manage them in accordance with
international and regional
conventions (tools and guidance
include relevant guiding principles
of CBD, relevant guidelines under
the Ballast water convention of
IMO, relevant guidelines for
control and management of ships
Bio fouling, relevant standards by
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FAO on applying risk analysis in
aquaculture, recreational fisheries).
- Species migration is a global
phenomenon, not restricted to Suez
Canal. A very small number of
marine ecosystems in the world are
free of alien species. Climate
change plays the main role in this
process.
- Terminology being used on
migratory species over time (e.g.
lesspsian migration 50 years ago,
invasive species in 1993, non-
indigenous species, accidental or
causal species, tropical species,
circumtropical and the new
concept of adapted species to new
environment is being discussed.
- Species migration via Suez Canal
occurs from the Red Sea to the
Mediterranean and vice versa from
the Mediterranean to Gulf of Suez.
(at least 60 species).
- The terminology used by invasion
ecologist reflects their pre-
conceived options, ranging from
neutral to quasi-hostile, sometimes
emotionally charged attitudes. The
spread of new species to new
habitats is and has always been a
natural and continuous process
over the ages. Man has only
accelerated this process.
- Invasive species is associated with
adverse effects, threatening native
biological diversity, the ecological
stability of the invaded
ecosystems, and the resulting
economic and health
consequences.
- Many authors ignore other
potential impacts such as over
harvesting of resources,
destruction of habitats or the
introduction of harmful pollutants.
- By 1970, most species were
established and adapted at the Suez
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Canal ecosystems, and many have
reached eastern Mediterranean,
reaching 140 species of plants and
animals. However, this number
has increased dramatically to more
than 300 species in eastern
Mediterranean, due to the
considerable changes in
environmental conditions.
- In 2014, number of alien species in
the Mediterranean is close to 900
species (representing 5% of the
marine species in the entire
Mediterranean), 13.5% of them are
classified as invasive species (47).
The dominant group in the western
Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea
are macrophytes (macroalgae and
sea grasses), whereas polychaetes,
crustaceans, mollusks and fishes
dominate eastern and central
Mediterranean. The vast majority
of alien species occur in the
eastern Mediterranean; some are
located exclusively in the south-
eastern basin, others are restricted
to the western basin, whereas
others have colonized the entire
Mediterranean. Alien species
occur in warm waters.
- The number of alien species
continues to increase globally. In
Europe, north America, and China,
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the number has increased
dramatically during the last 4
decades by 50 – 70% due to the
rapid increase in global trade,
marine transportation, tourism.
This is similar to what happened in
the eastern Mediterranean.
- The main dispersal routes include
shipping (ballast waters and
fouling that represent 70% of alien
species), active swimming (fishes),
intentional release (aquaculture
and aquaria), natural dispersal,
through currents and tides,
adaptation through Suez Canal,
trade, tourism (recreational boats),
dumping in the marine
environment, ports and marina.
- Alien species pattern is not
influenced by water volume or
current speed, but rather with high
salinity that acts as natural barrier.
- Globally, alien species were
identified in terms of more than
tens of thousands species, and
invasive species by few thousands.
However, many problems still
exist, including species trait, time
lag in species introduction,
settlement and adaptation, and the
risk assessment of invasive
species.
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0 2 4 6 8
10 12 14 16 18
No. of Major Taxonomic Group
- Out of 47 species claimed to be
invasive, only 28 species of Indo-
Pacific origin were recorded in the
eastern Mediterranean, mostly
fishes, crustaceans and mollusks.
The dispersal of these species is
though shipping (14 species in
ballast water and fouling), Suez
Canal (21 species), and
aquaculture (10 species), and one
from Monaco aquarium.
A preliminary risk assessment for the
claimed invasive species was made,
based on literature review, and it was
found that:
0
5
10
15
20
25
Origin of Sp.
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A- Possible Environmental
Impacts:
- Five species, out of 9
macrophytes have potential for
environmental impact
(competition for space).
- One sea grass species can
compete for space, however,
more studies are needed. - Two species of coelenterates
(Jellyfish) have impact on
tourism, and feed on young
mollusks and crustacean.
- Ten out of 12 mollusks species
may have environmental impact
(competition for space, and
forming rocky habitats).
However, 2 species without
studies.
- Four out of 18 fish species are
known to have impact, and the
remaining have potential impact
(competition for food and space).
B- Possible Economic Impacts:
- Two species out of 9 algal
species have pharmaceutical
(medical) importance, and the
remaining 7 species have no
direct economic importance.
- Sea grasses provide good habitats
as nursery (feeding) and
spawning grounds for economic
species of fish, crustaceans and
mollusks.
- Jellyfish have impacts on tourists
through their toxic secretion.
- Seven out of 12 mollusks species
have considerable economic
importance (fisheries and
aquaculture).
- Crustaceans are of considerable
economic importance (about
16000 tons are caught annually in
Egypt.
- Three species out of 18 fish
species have toxic effect,
however, they don’t cause harm
in Suez (fishermen know how to
deal with them). However,
toxicity of the fishes can be used
in curing and increasing
longevity of patients with cancer.
V- Results of Egyptian studies on Suez
Canal:
During the last 60 years, and in
particular since the establishment of
Suez Canal University in 1975, Egyptian
researchers have made considerable
contribution to understand the dynamics
of Suez Canal waters, ecosystems,
habitats and biota. Most of these studies
have not been published yet but they are
in the form of M.Sc., Ph.D. thesis and
reports. However, they were the basis of
the environmental set up that was
considered for the environmental
consideration of the Suez Canal
expansion project.
Egyptian studies included the history of
Suez Canal since its opening for
international trade in 1869; geology
(geomorphology, topography),
Oceanography (hydrology, water
current, circulation, salinity,
temperature, tide, etc.); habitats in Bitter,
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and Timsh lakes and the main canal
(sandy rocky, and muddy shores,
sabkhas, soft bottom and hard bottom
habitats, fresh water habitats); main
biota (235 species of macrophytes, 287
species of phytoplankton, 125 species of
zooplankton, 71 epiphytic species, 35
species of bryozoans, 77 species of
polychaetes, 50 species of bivalves, 19
species of gastropods, 6 species of
cephalopods, 35 species of crabs, 43
species of amphipods, 8 isopod species,
2 cirripedia species, 85 copepods 7
species of echinoderms, 23 ascidian
species, 114 fouling species, more than
100 fish species, main important bird
areas (more than 150 species), main
freshwater habitats and biota; and the
terrestrial animal and plant species. The
biology of the main species and
particularly commercial ones (e.g.
fishes, shrimps, shellfish) were studied
in details (e.g. reproductive biology,
food and feeding habits, abundance,
partitioning of resources, competition for
space and food, etc.). In addition, the
migration patterns of macrophytes,
invertebrates and fish from the Red Sea
and Mediterranean Sea via Suez Canal
were studies.
Based on the Egyptian studies, important
remarks have been reached and are being
considered in the strategic environment
assessment. These are:
- The current socio-economic impact
of the Suez Canal on the
development of world economy
particularly in the Mediterranean
countries cannot be ignored. For
example, 22% of the world
container ships (represent 12.9% of
world trade) cross Suez Canal, an
equivalent of 1.7 trillion US $
annually.
- The Suez Canal and its lakes
support diversified habitats and
species (about 1500 species), most
of them are of Indo-Pacific origin,
and some of Mediterranean origin
(at least 60 species).
- New species of Indo-Pacific and
Mediterranean species were
recorded for the first time (e.g. 9
species of crabs, 35 species of
benthic algae).
- There are increases in number of
species with time. For example,
only 8 macrophyte species were
recorded in 1869, increased to 25
species in 1924, 96 species in 1972,
133 species in 1983, 200 species in
2000 and reached 235 species of
benthic algae and sea grasses by
2015. Out of these 235 species of
macrophytes, 22 species crossed
Suez Canal and only one alien
species is considered to be invasive,
and 3 species were recorded before
the opening of Suez Canal.
- The southern part of the Suez Canal
is of high salinity and is dominated
by Indo-Pacific species; this
tendency decreases towards the
northern part at Port-Said, where
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dominant species are of
Mediterranean origin.
- Many species are caught
commercially (e.g. fishes, shrimps
and shellfish). For examples
shrimps and crabs constitute about
25 % of the total catch by volume,
and a first of the trawl gross income.
- This commercial species are
beneficial to local fisheries, and, in
our view they don't have important
impact upon ecosystem.
- The creation of new habitats during
the last decades, due to dredging
activities, enabled many species to
settle and adapted to the diversified
ecosystems of Suez Canal and its
lakes. Many of them have kept their
original identity and biology,
however they share available
resources of space and food, and
competition is minimal. Thus, they
have adapted to the new
environmental conditions of the
Suez Canal ecosystems.
- The new environmental conditions
of the Suez Canal ecosystems are
exhibited by several changes:
a- Salinity of the Bitter lakes which acts
as natural barrier for many species, has
decreased dramatically from 68 ppt in
1871, to 53.3 ppt in 1924, 48 ppt in
1970, and have reached 39 ppt in 2012.
However, during the closure of Suez
Canal during 1967 – 1975, salinity near
the bottom was exceptionally high in
many locations especially in the eastern
area of the lake. The increase of salinity
from surface to the bottom (16 m deep)
was very rapid, reaching 314.93 ‰,
suggesting formation of brine at the
bottom. This abnormal pattern needs to
be studied thoroughly.
a. Suez Canal has undergone several
enlargements over the years. The
most recent expansion completed
in 2010, increased its depth (from
8 to 25 m) and width (cross-
sectional area was 304m² in 1869,
increased to 1800 m² in 1962, and
3600 m² in 1980, and currently
5200m²) to allow the passage of
large vessels. This has also
created more diverse habitats in
the Suez Canal ecosystems.
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b. The climate change in the
eastern Mediterranean has
shown an increase in air and
water temperatures
particularly in coastal areas.
This is likely to affect the
structure of marine
communities and provide
further opportunities for alien
species to spread and out-
compete native species.
c- Volume of water due to the
Suez Canal expansion project
will increase by 183.7 million
cubic meters, representing only
5.6% of the entire volume of
Suez Canal and its lakes that
contain about 90% of all water.
- A Model for water movement
due to the expected impact of
Suez Canal expansion was
prepared by Egyptian experts to
determine:
a- impact of the extension
on Hydro-dynamics along
Suez Canal;
b- expected impacted area
due to dredging activities;
c- Effect of the Suez Canal
extension on movement
of tracer materials.
Results have shown that:
- The tidal level with change slightly
in the central part of SCC maximum
increase of 10 cm,
- The tidal current will decrease
(maximum of 15 cm) in the central
and northern part (Ferdan /
Deversoir),
- Discharge of flow rate to the
Mediterranean is nearly zero,
- The area affected by dredging is
about 5km north and south,
- Simulation of movement of tracer
material from Timsah to Bitter lakes
is minor.
In conclusion, Egypt does not deny the
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danger of alien species, but refuses to
deal with this issue without scientific
evidence. Egypt continues its
commitments to international and
regional conventions where invasive
species are being considered in the
updated National Biodiversity Strategy
and Action Plan in accordance with
Strategic Plan of CBD (2011 – 2020),
and started monitoring program of alien
species, and is in the process to
preparing a national project on alien
species to be funded by donor agencies
and countries.
VI- Measures taken by the Egyptian
government are as follows:
A- Mitigation measures being
implemented:
Baseline studies were included in the
environmental impact assessment which
was submitted by Suez Canal Authority
(SCA) to EEAA in July 2014 before
launching the new Suez Canal expansion
project. It included an extensive
literature review on the current situation
of the Suez Canal, where an assessment
of alien species in the eastern
Mediterranean and Suez Canal
ecosystems, as well as different
alternatives and mitigation measures
were presented.
EEAA requested SCA to initiate a
strategic Environmental Impact
Assessment (SEIA) to include both Suez
Canal expansion project and Suez Canal
Development project. EEAA also
request SCA to consider alien species in
the SEIA, prepare a management plan,
and models for water movement due to
the expected impact of Suez Canal
expansion project, including
hydrodynamics, impacted area due to
dredging, and movement of tracer
materials.
A ministerial Decree was issued on all
major national projects and guidelines
on SEIA were sent to all concerned
governmental agencies. Since SEIA is
to be carried out for the first time in
Egypt, EEAA offered technical
assistance to SCA, resulted in two
Memorandum of Understanding
(MOUs) to assist the consulting firm
(Dar al-Handasa which hired several
national and expatriates to pursue SEIA).
Meanwhile, a joint committee was
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established and included experts from
EEAA, SCA, Suez Canal University
(SCU), Cairo University (CU), National
Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries
(NIOF), and others to follow up with the
construction process, and to monitor air,
water soil and biota and recommends
interventions when necessary.
Guidelines provided by EEAA to SCA
deal with minimum environmental
impacts, safe waste due to dredging,
hazardous waste, permissible limit of
suspended air matter in air and water,
noise, occupational safety, monitoring of
alien species and other biota.
Several workshops were held, and
organized by SCU at Ismailia and also
by NIOF in Cairo. They were attended
by experts and media, resulted in
informing the public on the current
situation of the Suez Canal expansion
project, possible impacts on biota, and
measures to deal with toxic jellyfish and
fish.
A public hearing meeting was held in
Ismailia, headquarter of SCA, to discuss
the project, endorse measures in
accordance with SEIA requirements.
This will be followed by other public
hearing during the remaining period of
construction.
B- Other mitigation measured
being considered by relevant
authorities are:
During 2015 efforts will be made to
address all environmental issues
related to the Suez Canal expansion
project and other issues of Suez
Canal development project. Efforts
will include: control agriculture
drainage and other sources of
freshwater into the Bitter lakes, in
accordance with the Egyptian
Environmental Protection Law
(4/194, amended by law 9/2009).
Declaration of Bitter lakes as zero
discharge area is being considered.
Target 9 (invasive species) of the
strategic plan (2010 – 2020) of CBD
is included in the updated Egyptian
National Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plan (NBSAP). Target
elements are: invasive alien species
(IAS) identified and prioritized;
pathways identified and prioritized,
priority species controlled or
eradicated; and introduction and
establishment of IAs prevented. In
addition, all decisions of CBD COPs
regarding IAS will be implemented
and reported to CBD Secretariat.
Action Plan concerning species
introductions and invasive species,
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in the Mediterranean sea (20 actions
proposed by UNEP, MAP –
RAC/SPA, 2005) and guide for risk
analysis assessing the impacts of the
introduction of non-indigenous
species (UNEP / MAP – RAC/SPA,
2008) will be accommodated and
implemented in the Egyptian
NBSAP.
The monitoring program of IAS in
the Suez Canal, Gulf of Suez and
eastern Mediterranean will be
continued for 5 years, and risk
assessment will be made by 2020.
Special attention will be given to the
future impact of the expansion of
Suez Canal project on the alien
species.
Issues regarding increasing salinity
of the Bitter lakes (natural barrier of
alien species) are being considered
by experts (Egyptians and relevant
organizations).
Strict measures on ballast water and
fouling will be implemented by
Suez Canal authority and relevant
authorities. Results will be reported
to IMO Secretariat periodically.
Awareness program addressing
invasive alien species started and
will be continued, and feedback
results will be reported to the
relevant agencies and organizations
(e.g. Barcelona Convention, CBD,
IMO).
Existing legal and regulatory
frameworks for alien invasive
species will be assessed and
recommendations will be considered
by the relevant authorities in Egypt.
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VII- Selected References:
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is the Mediterranean more readily
colonized than the Red Sea, by
organisms using the Suez Canal as a
passage way? Oceologia 4: 359 -361
Aleem, A. A. (1984). The Suez Canal:
A habitat and pathway for marine algae
and seagrasses. Deep Sea Research. 31:
901 – 917
American Bureau of Shipping (2014).
Guide for Ballast water treatment - 46
pages.
Bellard, J., W. Thuilier, B. Leroy., P.
Genoves.,Balkkenes, M. (2013). Will
climate change promote future invasion.
Global Change Biology, 1 – 9. Doi:
10.111/gcb.12344
Belmaker, J., Parravicini, v. and
Kulbicki, M. (2013). Ecological traits
and environmental affinity explain Red
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Global Change Biology, doi:
10.1111/geb.12132
CBD (2002). Guiding principles for
the prevention, introduction and
mitigation of impacts of alien species
that threaten ecosystems, habitats or
species: Annex to CBD Decision V1/23
Emera, A. and Belal, A.A. (2004).
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Farghaly, M.S. and El-Shourbaky, G.A.
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Fouda, M. M. (1995). Life history
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Fouda, M. M. and Abu-Zeid, M. M.
(1990). Bivalves of the Suez Canal.
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Galil, B.S and Goren, M.(2014).
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Halim, Y and Rizkalla, S. (2011).
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IUCN (2013). Marine alien invasive
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Meshal, A.H. (1975). Brine at the
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result of closing the Suez Canal. Nature
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Molnar, J.L., Grambos, R.L., Revenga,
C., and spalding, M.D. (2008).
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Frontiers in Ecology and the
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34 pages
Morcos, S.A. (1970). Physical and
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Morcos, S.A. and Gerges, M.A. (1974).
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Physique de la Mer Rouge, IPSO /
UNESCO / SCOR Symposium. Paris,
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Muirhead, J.R., Minton, M.S., Mulkor,
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on shipping traffic and biological
invasion. Diversity and Distributions.
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