ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9269-2416
Current Organisation
Qatar University
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Publisher: Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre Oy (REABIC)
Date: 09-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2017.07.011
Abstract: Eight sandy beaches along the coastline of Qatar and four sea surface stations on the eastern coast, adjacent to Doha Bay, were surveyed between December 2014 and March 2015. Microplastics, mainly low density polyethylene and polypropylene, were found in all s les of sediments and seawater. Blue fibers, ranging between 1 and 5mm, were the dominant type of particle present. Abundances on the sea surface varied between 4.38×10
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 24-06-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2021.112935
Abstract: Oil and gas platforms act as artificial habitats for a myriad of marine organisms. In this study, we used opportunistic remotely operated vehicle (ROV) data to describe fouling assemblages through the characterization of functional groups in the Al Shaheen oil field, situated in Qatari waters. The surveys showed a strong vertical stratification, with the number of functional groups increasing from the surface to the bottom. In addition, the majority of functional groups had their highest frequency of occurrence in the 35-60 m interval. In turn, multivariate analyses showed a slight structure among platforms with different ages. The lowest number of functional groups occurred in the early ages (2-3 years old), and some groups either increased or decreased their frequency and abundance along the years. A step further is now required to determine whether these platform foundations should be converted to reefs after their decommissioning (i.e., Rigs to Reefs approach).
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 13-03-2018
DOI: 10.7287/PEERJ.PREPRINTS.26671V1
Abstract: Arabian Gulf coral communities are particularly known for their utmost tolerance and adaptation to region’s extreme environmental conditions. However, stress through increasing sea temperatures, salinities, sustained coastal development, etc., has resulted in shifts in reef communities across the region in recent years. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the status of coral communities at 15 reef sites, NW Arabian Gulf, focusing on the abundance of living coral cover and species bio ersity using photoquadrat surveys we also investigate potential spatial and environmental drivers of changes in coral communities. We show a strong north-to-south gradient of declining live coral cover (38% to 13%) and species richness (28 to 7 species), with an additional reduction of species richness in coastal areas (2 species). Recent surveys in late summer 2017 revealed 100% bleaching in inshore coral communities and occasionally, the complete loss of coral cover resulting in a shift to a non-coral ecosystem composed of mostly rubble and turf-algae. Species turnover (Beta- ersity) and canonical correspondence analyses determined that environmental factors such as depth, salinity and sea surface temperatures play a significant role in driving these spatial patterns of coral bio ersity and biogeography and in predicting their shift as function of future regional climate scenarios.
Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.5339/QPROC.2016.QULSS.29
Abstract: The combustion of fossil fuels is pushing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to unprecedented levels. This rapid increase in atmospheric CO 2 is causing global changes, with noticeable increases in temperature, sea level rise and changes to marine carbon chemistry (i.e., Ocean Acidification - OA). The today average pH of ocean surface waters has already declined by 0.1 units from pre-industrial levels. According to the IPCC representative concentration pathways (RCPs), further declines in pH are predicted until the end of the century, varying between 0.14 units and 0.43 units. OA is irreversible on short time frames and previous studies have shown the potential impacts of ocean acidification on the physiology, reproduction, immunology and behavior of marine organisms, with effects already documented in multiple species and several regions of the world, although not in the Arabian Gulf. Nevertheless, the strong environmental variability of the Arabian Gulf presents good opportunities to study the potential impacts of future global change on marine ecosystems and to investigate the underlying mechanisms governing their resistance and adaptation to future environmental extremes. In this research we are targeting the response of zooplanktonic assemblages to OA, since these are commonly used as bioindicators of environmental and climate driven impact on marine ecosystems. The approach is mainly experimental, using controlled CO 2 perturbation experiments, done aboard the Qatar University research vessel “Janan”. We are specifically investigating the response of zooplankton communities to relevant scenarios of seawater acidification by CO 2 , in terms of assemblage composition and structure respiration rates and egg production rates. The first round of experiments was conducted during a 3 day cruise offshore from Doha (June 3–5, 2016) complemented with a second cruise and round of experiments (November 17–19, 2016). Results provide insightful information about zooplankton communities’ responses to high CO 2 levels in seawater of the Arabian Gulf and contribute to a better understanding about the biogeochemistry of coastal marine areas in Qatar, and more broadly in the Arabian Gulf. Acknowledgments : This study is funded by QNRF through the project “Zooplankton community responses to CO 2 acidification in Qatar coastal waters (UREP18-177-1-021).
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1590/S1679-87592014067006204
Abstract: The fate of released bycatch is an issue of great interest for fisheries research and management. Survival experiments were carried out to assess the survival capacity of animals damaged and discarded during clam dredging operations. Three common bycatch species, two fish (Trachinus vipera Dicologlossa cuneata) and one crab (Polybius henslowii), were collected during the sorting of catches from a commercial dredging boat. An arbitrary score scale was used to quantify the type and extent of damage to the organisms. Onboard, damaged in iduals were placed in tanks containing seawater which were subsequently transferred to the laboratory. Survival experiments were conducted during the subsequent 48h. D. cuneata exhibited the lowest mortality after 48h (54%), followed by P. henslowii (65%) and T. vipera (81%). Despite the magnitude of the percentage mortalities determined, the average number of in iduals estimated to die during a 15 minutes tow (standard commercial fishing time) was relatively small: 1.2, 3.24 and 11 for D. cuneata, T. vipera and P. henslowii, respectively. Nevertheless, when these figures are extrapolated to cover all the dredging fleet the impact of this practice on the populations of the species studied can be significant, particulary for D. cuneata.
Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.5339/QPROC.2015.QULSS2015.29
Abstract: Zooplanktons are marine animal members of the planktonic community. They play a key role in marine ecosystem, by linking primary production to higher trophic levels. The spatial and temporal dynamics of zooplankton communities were studied in 4 station along a transect offshore of Doha Bay, Qatar, from June 2014 to March 2015. Zooplankton s les were collected by means of horizontal tows using 120 and 500μm mesh size plankton nets. Two methods of examination were used and intercalibrated: optical microscopy and the automated identification and counting equipment FlowCAM. No spatial variability was observed among the locations s led, while temporal variability was detected. The faunistic groups contributing most to these temporal variations were Cladocera, Oikopleura, crab larvae, Lucifer typus, fish eggs, and jellyfish. Our results showed no significant differences between the use of either the automated (FlowCAM) or the optical identification and counting suggesting the possible use of both methodologies as they provide complementary information (accurate identification capabilities and size spectra or population structure data).
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1017/S002531542300005X
Abstract: This study focused on a jellyfish monitoring and s ling programme along the eastern Qatar seawaters and reports the first jellyfish records for the Qatar pelagic ecosystem and the occurrence of three scyphozoans: the semaeostome Chrysaora cf. caliparea and the rhizostomes Marivagia stellata and Catostylus perezi , considered as first records of Scyphomedusae for Qatar. Jellyfish monitoring, underwater photography and s le collection were carried out along an inshore-offshore transect composed of five stations along the eastern coast of Qatar. Jellyfish material examined, systematic description, general distribution and sting risk of the three species are provided. The discussion section highlights the blooming capabilities of Chrysaora cf. caliparea and Catostylus perezi , while Marivagia stellata seems scarcer, being spotted for the first time since we started our jellyfish investigation programme in August 2018.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-06-2013
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1051/LIMN/2016012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 27-08-2014
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS10861
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARENVRES.2018.02.013
Abstract: This study evaluated the impacts of submarine groundwater discharges (SGD) on a rocky intertidal community of South Portugal, during April-November 2011. Chlorophyll-a concentration was higher at the SGD site in respect to the Reference site. Epibenthic community structure differed between sites, with an increase in Chthamalus spp. and a decrease in macroalgae coverage at the SGD site. The abundance and body size of Mytilus galloprovincialis were consistently higher at the SGD site. During mid-spring, under potentially higher SGD and less favorable conditions for coastal phytoplankton, the ecophysiological condition of M. galloprovincialis and G. umbilicalis was also higher at the SGD site. These beneficial effects on filter-feeders and herbivores probably resulted from local increases in prey availability, supported by SGD-driven nutrient inputs. Conversely, P. depressa was not favoured by SGD, probably due to a lower dependency on algae as food. The analysis of epibenthic community structure and ecophysiological condition represents a promising approach to disentangle the ecological impacts of SGD on intertidal ecosystems.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2015
Publisher: Editora Artemis
Date: 24-02-2023
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 18-07-2011
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS09062
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-12-2019
DOI: 10.1111/COBI.13437
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2009
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 21-05-2012
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS09660
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2013
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 09-2023
DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.230392
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.5339/QPROC.2016.QULSS.30
Abstract: Coral reefs represent one of the most biologically and socio-economically important natural assets in the Arabian region, particularly in Qatar. Stress through increasing sea temperatures and salinities, growing development, and other pressures, has resulted in shifts in reef communities across the region in recent years. Branching corals have disappeared from most reef systems while previously thriving inshore reefs are being reduced to rubble with little signs of life remaining. We here conduct a thorough re-assessment of coral reefs around Qatar, focusing on coral cover and bio ersity using photoquadrat surveys, and we investigate potential environmental drivers of coral communities in the region. Results show higher coral cover on offshore reefs than on inshore reefs. Additionally, among previously documented inshore corals reefs, several have lost their coral cover and have shifted to non-coral ecosystems composed of rubble, turf algae, and oysters. Coral ersity is higher on offshore reefs than inshore reefs, with previously reported species now absent on inshore reefs. Environmental factors such as salinity and sea surface temperatures could play an important role in driving current patterns of coral bio ersity and biogeography and in predicting their shift as a function of future regional climate scenarios. We expect inshore reefs to be generally more fragile and susceptible to stress due the higher variability in environmental conditions. These same inshore reefs are also the most exposed to human interactions and coastal development. To ensure the future of coral reefs in the region and to sustain their ecosystem services, coral reefs in Qatar will need to be effectively regulated (i.e. through the development and implementation of an ecosystem-based management plan). In addition, recovery of impacted reefs could be assisted through the creation of a network of marine protected areas (MPAs), allowing for natural replenishment of coral communities through connectivity. In the meantime, local reefs are likely to continue their decline in coral cover and ersity, particularly the inshore environments.
Publisher: CRC Press
Date: 19-11-2020
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-09-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FMARS.2022.989841
Abstract: The Persian Gulf is a thermally extreme environment in which reef corals have adapted to survive through temperature ranges that would be lethal to corals from other regions. Despite offering a unique opportunity to better understand how corals from other regions may adapt in the future, through a changing climate, much of the Gulf coral and fish communities remain to be described. In the southwestern Gulf nation of Qatar few reef sites have been described to date. We here characterize reef communities from 16 sites around the Qatar Peninsula, encompassing depths from 3 to 25m. We found the healthiest coral reef communities to be in deeper offshore reefs, with high coral and fish species richness and high coral abundance, likely a result of their occurrence below summer thermocline depths and distance from urban pressures. In contrast, we found shallow reefs, both nearshore and offshore, to have low species richness and abundance relative to deeper reefs, presumably due to impacts from recurrent bleaching events and development pressures over recent decades. The results of this work underscore the Qatar Peninsula as being at the biogeographic epicenter of the wider Gulf. However, further temperature increases may push both fishes and corals over their physiological limits. Management efforts at both the regional and global level are needed to reduce thermal stressors and preserve the rich reef ecosystems found in the waters surrounding Qatar.
Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.5339/QPROC.2015.QULSS2015.32
Abstract: The Northeastern Qatari coast, comprising erse and sensitive flora and fauna communities (e.g. coral reefs and patches, seagrass meadows and turtles), is expected to undergo changes imposed by anthropogenic stressors (coastal development projects) in the near future. Ecohydrological models are theoretical, mathematical representations of a natural system, made to understand the functionalities of the real ecological system under physical forcing. These model systems are then used in order to assist the impact assessment of future scenarios on real systems. The aim of this study was to create hydrodynamic simulation along with a sediment transport model for a stretch of coastline off of Jabal Fuwairat. This aim was achieved using GEMSS modeler software, which requires the following data for a proper model (1) spatial data (that is included as shape files imported from ArcGIS), primarily the water body shoreline and bathymetry, additionally the locations, altitudes, and formations of man-made structures (2) time-based data, that are varying in time (i.e. tidal changes, influx rate and temperature and meteorological data) and (3) Sediment composition. These data were collected and gathered into time varying data files and incorporated in the GEMSS modelling tool.Results from both hydrodynamic model (HDM) and sediment transport models (STM) demonstrated that the study area is highly dynamic, being mainly controlled by tides and with relatively high shear stress (potential for erosion) in the northern and east-western boundaries. Three scenarios of future development that might take place in the area were assessed and results showed the alteration of the dynamics of water and sediments accordingly. A sensitive analysis was conducted and recommendations to decision makers for a better management of the considered coastal zone are developed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-02-2018
DOI: 10.1002/ECY.2139
Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.5339/QPROC.2015.QULSS2015.34
Abstract: Microplastics have recently been reported in the most pristine region of the world’s oceans. Microplastics are easily mistaken for food by filter-feeders and planktivorous fish, and can also adsorb large quantities of recalcitrant organic pollutants (OPs) which biomagnify up the marine food web, hence, explains the need for their investigation. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics were investigated for the first time in Qatar both in sediments and seawater. Eight beaches across Qatar and four sea surface stations were surveyed between the months of December 2014 and March 2015. Microplastics were discovered in all s les and their abundance varied both in intertidal sandy beaches and sea surface. Two-factor ANOVA revealed that the spatial variability of microplastics in sea surface stations was statistically significant however, there was no observable temporal variability. The average concentration of microplastics in all 8 beaches was not significantly different. Results from the present study indicate the pervasiveness of microplastics in Qatar’s coastal environment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-07-2014
DOI: 10.1111/MAEC.12186
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-08-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00338-021-02158-Y
Abstract: Current seawater temperatures around the northeastern Arabian Peninsula resemble future global forecasts as temperatures 35 °C are commonly observed in summer. To provide a more fundamental aim of understanding the structure of wild populations in extreme environmental conditions, we conducted a population genetic study of a widespread, regional endemic table coral species, Acropora downingi , across the northeastern Arabian Peninsula. A total of 63 s les were collected in the southern Arabian/Persian Gulf (Abu Dhabi and Qatar) and the Sea of Oman (northeastern Oman). Using RAD-seq techniques, we described the population structure of A. downingi across the study area. Pairwise G’st and distance-based analyses using neutral markers displayed two distinct genetic clusters: one represented by Arabian/Persian Gulf in iduals, and the other by Sea of Oman in iduals. Nevertheless, a model-based method applied to the genetic data suggested a panmictic population encompassing both seas. Hypotheses to explain the distinctiveness of phylogeographic subregions in the northeastern Arabian Peninsula rely on either (1) bottleneck events due to successive mass coral bleaching, (2) recent founder effect, (3) ecological speciation due to the large spatial gradients in physical conditions, or (4) the combination of seascape features, ocean circulation and larval traits. Neutral markers indicated a slightly structured population of A. downingi, which exclude the ecological speciation hypothesis . Future studies across a broader range of organisms are required to furnish evidence for existing hypotheses explaining a population structure observed in the study area. Though this is the most thermally tolerant acroporid species worldwide, A. downingi corals in the Arabian/Persian Gulf have undergone major mortality events over the past three decades. Therefore, the present genetic study has important implications for understanding patterns and processes of differentiation in this group, whose populations may be pushed to extinction as the Arabian/Persian Gulf warms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: EJournal Publishing
Date: 2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-08-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JFB.13394
Abstract: An assessment of vertical distribution, diel migration, taxonomic and functional ersity of fishes was carried out at offshore platforms in The (Arabian-Iranian-Persian) Gulf. Video footage was recorded at the Al Shaheen oil field between 2007 and 2014 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). A total of 12 822 in idual fishes, from 83 taxonomic groups were recorded around the platforms. All the species identified are considered native to The Gulf, although Cyclichthys orbicularis and Lutjanus indicus were recorded for the first time in Qatari waters. Several trends were uncovered in the vertical distribution of the fish community most species were observed between 20 and 50 m depth and fish abundance decreased towards the bottom, with the highest abundances recorded in the upper layers, i.e. down to 40 m depth. Vertical variation in fish ersity, however, was generally not accompanied by differences in vertical movements. Carnivores and invertivores were the dominant trophic groups, being found at each depth range from surface to seabed. The functional indices showed no significant differences between water depths or diel cycles. The study demonstrates that oil platforms represent a hotspot of fish ersity and interesting sites for studying fish communities, abundance and behaviour.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2001
DOI: 10.1017/S002531540100409X
Abstract: The distribution, abundance and recruitment of Chthamalus species were studied for one year at two rocky shores on the central coast of Portugal. Chthamalus montagui is the most abundant intertidal barnacle on the Portuguese mainland. Higher abundance of C. montagui was found on the lower levels of the more sheltered shore, which is closer to the influence of the Tagus estuary. Chthamalus stellatus was also present, in very low densities, and always confined to the lower level of the barnacle zone. Chthamalus stellatus was more common at the shore farther away from the estuary, in which exposure to wave action is higher. The metamorphs of C. stellatus settled at the studied shores are considered to be immigrants from other populations, where the density of adults is sufficient for cross-fertilization to occur. Chthamalus spp. recruited almost continuously throughout the year, with a peak between July and September and a gap during February and March. Variations in phytoplanktonic assemblages and temperature may be the main factors controlling the reproductive season of Chthamalus spp. Recruitment was usually stronger on the lower shore levels but extended for a longer period higher on the shore. Seasonal variations of C. montagui abundance were greater on the lower levels of the more exposed shore. This is probably due to faster growth and higher mortality of barnacle populations occupying the lower shore levels at the more exposed habitats.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2005
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-09-2019
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.5622
Start Date: 2015
End Date: 2018
Funder: Qatar National Research Fund
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2021
End Date: 2025
Funder: Qatar National Research Fund
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2013
Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P.
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2018
End Date: 2022
Funder: Qatar Foundation
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2011
End Date: 2015
Funder: Foundation for Science and Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2019
End Date: 2020
Funder: Qatar Foundation
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2014
End Date: 2015
Funder: Foundation for Science and Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2008
End Date: 2011
Funder: Foundation for Science and Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2011
End Date: 2017
Funder: Foundation for Science and Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2016
End Date: 2020
Funder: Foundation for Science and Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2003
End Date: 2007
Funder: Foundation for Science and Technology
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2021
End Date: 2025
Funder: Qatar National Research Fund
View Funded Activity