Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Regulating ecotourism is the key to protecting intertidal ecology along the Magna coast, Saudi Arabia

Volume 68 Issue 1

G. Nandhagopal, Thamer Al-Johani, Rawan Saad W. Aljohani and Kevin Patrick Kelly

doi:10.6024/jmbai.2026.68.1.2641-12

Abstract

Tourism and recreational activities pose a significant threat to intertidal ecosystems, which are more vulnerable than other marine ecosystems due to their accessibility. The Red Sea, a unique biodiversity hotspot with numerous endemic marine organisms, is under threat from the rapid development of the tourism industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). As part of an effort to protect intertidal biodiversity and enhance ecotourism, a study was conducted to identify the impact of tourism on intertidal biodiversity at a popular tourist destination along the coast of Magna, Saudi Arabia. The study identified a total of 24 species, including macroalgae (5), gastropods (7), chitons (2), sea cucumbers (2), corals (2), brittle stars (2), crab (1), bivalve (1), sea urchin (1), and fish (1). While major recreational activities are currently limited to swimming, rock pooling, fishing, and intertidal walking, they may rise in the near future through developments. The number of casualties of marine life doubled on weekends due to the high visitor count. To address this issue, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implemented several Royal decrees. The local government should be strict with these decrees as well as create an awareness program to educate locals and tourists about marine sustainability, particularly in the diverse rocky intertidal regions.

Keywords

Ecotourism, recreational activities, intertidal ecosystem, Red Sea, endemic

Date : 26-05-2026