PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF ALGAL MATS SITES LOCATED IN THE WESTERN GULF FOLLOWING THE 1991 OIL-SPILL

Algal mats were found in different sites of Abu Ali and Tanajib areas along the western Gulf in Saudi Arabia. Remote sensing techniques and ground truth verification were used to provide information on their existence. Pre- and post-oil spill satellite images were acquired for comparisons and assessments. Locations and site status (heavily oiled, recovering, and no algal mats) were mapped. Although recovered sites are found in both areas, recovery seems to be slower in Abu Ali area as compared to Tanajib. Different types and formations of algal mats were found in both areas. This differentiation is more likely to be attributable to coastal topography and tidal regimes rather than other environmental factors, such as temperature and salinity.