NEW STANDARDS FOR MITIGATING DREDGING IMPACTS IN SENSITIVE HABITATS IN SAUDI ARABIA

We propose a systematic approach to monitoring and managing dredge operations based on industry best practice advice, tailored the specific conditions in Red Sea, including following key elements: 1) Relocation of corals from direct dredging footprint, 2) Development site project-specific environmental management plan, 3) Undertaking turbidity coral monitoring, 4) Turbidity plume hindcast forecast, 5) Adaptive involving all project stakeholders. The paper lists above elements presents case study Sindalah Island where system was successfully applied – first time such an has been implemented Middle East region.