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1 ANNUAL SUMMARY REPORT 2016

2 1 01 INTRODUCTION

3 1.1 //BACKGROUND This year marks the 5 th anniversary of the Annual Marine Water Quality Report and the 10 th anniversary of the implementation of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi s (EAD) comprehensive Marine Water Quality Monitoring Program (MWQMP). The MWQMP was established in 2006 to monitor water quality across Abu Dhabi Emirate and to help safeguard the Emirate s marine environment. This summary report presents the findings from the 2016 MWQMP. During this 10th anniversary year, many program upgrades were made, in response to the second 5-year network review that occurred in The program upgrades that were initiated in 2016 are described in the remainder of this section. NEW SAMPLING STATIONS In 2016, the following two stations were replaced: Emirates Palace Beach (Station 8) Marawah (Station 16). In their place, the following five stations were added: Fairmont Beach (Station 107) Ras Ghanada (Station 123) Al Reem Island (Station 117) Barakah (Station 125). Hodariyat Island (Station 119) The five stations were added to ensure that the purposes of the monitoring program continue to be met as development continues around Abu Dhabi City and as new facilities come online. In addition, consultations were held with EAD s Marine Biodiversity Sector to assure that it has the marine water quality (MWQ) data required so staff can successfully oversee Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine biodiversity. In addition, the Reference station was moved to a new location (Station 126), farther away from the coastline and potential influence of development activities there. NEW SAMPLING STATION CATEGORIES The original station categories remain as part of the ongoing MWQMP and include the following: Confined Areas Desalination Plants Point Sources MPAs Public Beaches Reference station. Ports and Marinas In 2016, the following two new station categories were added: Newly Developed and Developing Areas Nuclear Power Plant. In addition, the MPAs station category was modified to include MPAs and Natural Habitats. The MWQMP stations continue to be monitored monthly at sites near Abu Dhabi City and quarterly at sites in the Al Dhafra Region. MWQ data and analysis are reported quarterly and annually. As issues arise, special programs and studies are conducted that focus on specific stations or parameters. 2

4 1.2 //OBJECTIVES Objectives of EAD s MWQMP Determine the current status and long-term trends in marine water quality Identify and address areas of concern and emerging issues Provide reliable data to support coastal environment decisions Develop policies, programs, standards, and regulations to protect the marine environment. 1.3 //DRIVING FORCES, PRESSURES, & IMPACTS TO ABU DHABI WATERS Threats from many sources, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, may affect the diverse ecosystems represented in the marine environment. The drivers, pressures, states, impacts, and responses (DPSIR) model is used to associate human activities with their potential impacts on the environment. Figure 1 illustrates the causal chain that links threats to environmental impacts and policy responses. Drivers Pressures States Impacts Responses Increased population Coastal development Discharges into marine waters Atmospheric deposition Dredging and filling Declines in water quality Loss and deterioration of ecosystems Fishery declines Regulate dredging Increased cost to Monitor water desalinate or clean quality water Minimize discharges Population declines into marine waters of dugongs and turtles Figure 1. DPSIR model with examples relevant to Abu Dhabi. 3

5 In Abu Dhabi, the two major driving forces that produce pressures on the marine environment are human population growth and the associated rapid development. These drivers create pressures such as discharges into marine waters, atmospheric deposition of pollutants, and sediment dredge and fill operations, which can introduce excess nutrients, sediments, and chemical contaminants into marine waters. These pressures can change the state of Abu Dhabi s environment, leading to declines in water quality and to loss and deterioration of habitats. Development and population growth also spur demands for increased fresh water from desalination plants and an increased need for wastewater treatment facilities. Responses to these changes in the state of the environment could involve promulgating rules and regulations for activities that cause pressure, expanding the marine monitoring program, and taking steps to minimize discharges into marine waters. Impacts in Abu Dhabi that have been or could be of concern in the future include a decline in biotic communities and increases in eutrophication, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and bacterial contamination, as well as increased costs to desalinate or clean water. Government agencies and policy makers can respond by monitoring and enacting rules or regulations to ameliorate the condition of the ecosystem to prevent further degradation and to protect areas of special ecological and/or aesthetic significance. Eutrophication (or Nutrient Over-Enrichment) Eutrophication refers to a process in which the nutrient supply in a waterbody increases over time. Excessive supplies of nutrients, namely nitrogen and phosphorus, in waterbodies can originate from point sources, which are localized and easy to identify, and non-point sources, which are difficult to monitor and regulate. The consequences from eutrophication can include the enhanced growth of algae and aquatic plants, especially phytoplankton. When phytoplankton growth is so excessive that it can no longer be controlled by the consumer community of zooplankton, shellfish, and fish, the excess, unconsumed material can cause diminished water clarity, reduced levels of light, and the depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) in bottom waters. These problems often result in the death of shellfish and other aquatic organisms because they are unable to tolerate the low oxygen concentrations. In addition to the toxic conditions that lead to fish kills and the degradation of water quality, eutrophication can lead to long-term, detrimental impacts on the services that marine ecosystems provide such as tourism and recreational fisheries. 4

6 //HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS HABs occur when populations of phytoplankton species increase rapidly, thereby causing deleterious effects on other marine organisms, the environment, and/or humans. Although HABs may form because of natural conditions, severe eutrophic conditions may cause favorable conditions for the formation of HABs. Some HAB species also produce toxins that may be harmful to marine species, the environment, and humans. HABs, through the depletion of oxygen or the production of toxins, are responsible for mass mortalities of fish worldwide, causing catastrophic impacts to aquaculture and local fish and shellfish economies. Abu Dhabi has experienced both fish kills and the closure of desalination plants because of HABs in seawater. //BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION Bacterial contamination can result from the discharge of inadequately treated municipal wastewater into coastal areas, agricultural runoff, or stormwater entering the sea. This type of contamination is a concern because humans can directly come into contact with or ingest contaminated water, or they can consume contaminated seafood and shellfish. Exposure to pathogens in the water or food can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory illnesses, and skin infections 5

7 //CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS In some coastal areas, contaminated sediments (i.e., materials found at the bottom of waterbodies) are a concern because they pose threats to both ecosystems and human health. Contaminants enter marine ecosystems from point sources (e.g., industrial and municipal discharges that may be high in metals or organic pollutants) and from non-point sources (e.g., stormwater runoff). High levels of toxic compounds in the sediment layer can cause harm to the marine organisms living there, such as worms and shellfish. In addition, as an animal such as a fish consumes or absorbs contaminants from its food and its surroundings, the contaminants are often stored in the body tissues and become concentrated to higher levels over time. High concentrations of contaminants can lead to skin lesions, reproductive problems, and tumors. Human health is threatened when contaminated sediments bioaccumulate in fish that are eaten by humans. Decreased biodiversity in marine ecosystems is one of the long-term ecological effects from contaminated sediments. 6

8 02 METHODS 7

9 2.1//SAMPLING STATIONS In 2015, a network review of the MWQMP sampling stations was conducted. These stations span the Emirate, from ecologically important areas in Abu Dhabi City to the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate (Figure 2). During 2016, MWQ samples were collected from new stations and from those that have been historically sampled. These new locations include a popular beach, a natural habitat, a nuclear power plant, and in newly developed and developing areas. The Reference station was also moved farther away to a location where no recreational, industrial, commercial, or municipal activities are known to occur, and where there would be less infulence from Abu Dhabi City. Outfalls are also sampled monthly, but data from these sites are not included in the analyses presented in this summary report because they do not represent truly ambient monitoring locations. The ecological importance and the activities or uses that occur near the sampling stations were used to group them into the following different categories: Confined Areas Public Beaches Ports and Marinas Point Source Desalination Plants MPAs and Natural Habitats Newly Developed and Developing Areas Public Beaches Nuclear Power Plant Reference Station 8

10 Map of Stations Arabian Gulf Stn 18 Stn 19 Silah Stn 125 Ruwais Stn 12 Stn 17 Al Mirfa Stn 15 Tarif Abu Dhabi Emirate Figure 2. Marine water and sediment quality monitoring stations. 9

11 Inset Stn 126 Stn 123 Stn 14 Al Rahba Abu Dhabi Stn 11 Stn 117 Stn 9 Stn 13 Stn 4 Stn 10 Stn 7 Abu Dhabi City Stn 107 Stn 119 Stn 3 Mussafah Stn 2 Stn 104 Mussafah Stn 1 Stations Confined Areas Stn-1 Al Salamiyah Channel Stn-2 Mussafah South Channel Stn-3 Mussafah Industrial Area Stn-4 Eastern Corniche Point Source Stn-104 Mussafah South Channel-Outfall Public Beaches Stn-7 Bateen Beach Stn-9 Corniche Beach Stn-107 Fairmont Beach Ports & Marinas Stn-10 Intercontinental Jetty Stn-11 Port Mina Zayed Stn-12 Ruwais Desalination Plants Stn-13 Um Al Nar Stn-14 Taweelah Stn-15 Mirfa MPAs Stn-17 Al Bazam Stn-18 Bu Tinah Stn-19 Al Yasat Stn-123 Ras Ghanada Newly Developed and Developing Areas Stn-117 Al Reem Island Stn-119 Al Hudayriat Island Nuclear Power Plant Stn-125 Barakah Reference Stn-126 Reference 10

12 2.2 //SAMPLING FREQUENCY The sampling strategy incorporates two types of sampling frequencies. The stations around Abu Dhabi City (i.e., Stations 1 11, 13 14, 107, 117, 119, 123, and 126) were monitored monthly. The stations outside of the city and in the Al Dhafra Region (i.e., Stations 12, 15 19, and 125) were monitored less frequently. 2.3 //LABORATORY AND FIELD METHODS In situ data regarding salinity, temperature, ph, DO, and chlorophyll a were collected from surface and bottom waters. A Secchi disc was used to measure the transparency of the water at each station. Water samples were collected separately, and then were analyzed in an external laboratory for nutrients, organic compounds, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), heavy metals, and fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci and fecal coliforms). Sediment samples were collected concurrently by using a Peterson Grab Sampler from each site, and then were analyzed for heavy metals. Along with the MWQ samples, observations of weather, wind, and water appearance (e.g., color, odor, tide) were recorded. The water and sediment samples were transported to the laboratory per international best practices and analyzed by using standard analytical methods. 11

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14 13 03 DATA ANALYSIS

15 Continuous monitoring of Abu Dhabi s waters over the past several years has provided critical data that were used to characterize the physical, chemical, and microbial conditions in the marine environment. The 2016 data that are the focus of this summary report illustrate the nature and range of these dynamic ecosystems. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed on the comprehensive monitoring data. These results are presented in the 2016 Marine Water Quality Technical Report. The physical parameters monitored include water temperature, salinity, ph, water clarity (Secchi disc), and transparency. Water temperature varied normally throughout Very few temporal and spatial variations were observed in the salinity and ph values. An improvement in the parameters related to eutrophication was observed. Compared with 2015, the results for water clarity and phosphate were better, and only a small increase in nitrate occurred (a slightly worsening trend). In many countries, there is a challenge regarding changes in the parameters that indicate eutrophic conditions. EAD has taken significant steps to mitigate the continued elevation of these parameters. Microbial parameters remained low in most samples and stations across Abu Dhabi Emirate. Of the three microbial parameters tested, the highest levels were consistently detected in total coliform. The highest levels of microbial values were observed in the Ports and Marinas stations. Water Quality Index To provide summary analytics, three water quality indices were calculated by applying a generic Water Quality Index (WQI) methodology (developed by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in 2001) to the following three separate groupings of parameters representing different aspects of MWQ: Eutrophication Index Indicates the level of nutrient over-enrichment of the coastal waters and is based on parameters associated with eutrophication, including nutrients (i.e., nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia), DO, and chlorophyll a. Microbial Index Indicates the level of bacterial contamination in marine waters that can pose a threat to public health and is based on the fecal indicator bacteria enterococci and fecal coliforms. Heavy Metals Index Indicates the extent of metal contamination in marine sediments and is based on parameters that are heavy metal contaminants (i.e., cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, mercury, and zinc) in sediments. The WQI produces a score between 0 and 100 for each monitoring station for the year. Scores are grouped into three condition rating categories of Good (a score of 75 and higher), Fair (a score of 50 to 74), and Poor (a score of 0 to 49). Results from the 2016 sampling program indicate that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediment appear to be relatively stable or modestly decreasing around Abu Dhabi City. Mercury was not detected in water or sediments. 14

16 Twenty-one stations were monitored for 30 water column parameters and 10 sediment parameters. During 2016, five new stations were monitored, two of which represent new categories (Newly Developed and Developing Areas and Nuclear Power Plant). Two stations that were sampled for the past several years, a public beach and an MPA, were not sampled in The Reference station, which was previously only 5 kilometers (km) away from Abu Dhabi City, is no longer sampled and has been replaced with a new Reference station that is 40 km northwest of Abu Dhabi City. Overall, the many different physical, chemical, and biological characteristics sampled and analyzed in 2016 by the MWQMP have remained stable or slightly improved. Figure 3 presents the average eutrophication, microbial, and heavy metals indices scores over the past 6 years. Eutrophication Index The average annual Eutrophication Index score was 48, which was a two-point improvement from The annual mean for the Confined Areas stations and the Ports and Marinas stations increased in The new public beach (i.e., Fairmont Beach) had one of the lowest scores among all stations. 04 RESULTS Microbial Index The Intercontinental Jetty, which was the only station with a Fair annual mean microbial score in 2015, improved by 13 points and is now rated as Good. For the fifth year in a row, the Microbial Index score at the Reference station was a perfect 100. All of the Public Beaches, Ports and Marinas, and MPAs and Natural Habitats stations had perfect annual mean Microbial Index scores in Heavy Metals Index Three out of the five new stations added in 2016 had perfect 100 annual mean Heavy Metals Index scores. Both of the two new stations in the Newly Developed and Developing Areas category were rated as having Good annual mean heavy metals scores. The Mussafah Area stations continued to have the lowest annual mean scores for heavy metals. Out of all the station groupings, the MPAs and Natural Habitats received the best scores. 15

17 Summary of Marine Water Quality Index Findings Eutrophication Index Good MWQ Fair MWQ Poor MWQ Eutrophication Index Although the annual mean score for the Eutrophication Index increased only Year slightly from 2015, there was an increase in individual scores for the majority of stations. Microbial Index Good MWQ Microbial Index The Microbial Index continues to achieve the highest ratings. All stations received Fair MWQ Good ratings, and most had perfect scores. The annual mean score for the Poor MWQ Microbial Index was also nearly perfect, 10 which was an increase from the annual mean score received in Year 2016 Heavy Metal Index Heavy Metal Index The annual mean Heavy Metals Index score also improved in The majority of stations were rated as Good. The stations that received a Fair rating in 2016 had that same rating in Good MWQ Fair MWQ Poor MWQ Year 2016 Poor score of 0-49 Fair score of Good score of Figure 3. Bar graphs of the indices scores from 2011 to

18 17 05 SPECIAL PROGRAMS

19 //MONITORING OF HARMFUL ALGAE AT DESALINATION PLANTS Algal toxins identified in Abu Dhabi waters are water soluble and heat resistant. When toxic bloom-forming algae occur near desalination plants, there is a risk to public health, marine species, and the environment and to desalination plant operations. Better scientific understanding of these toxic bloom-forming species is vital to prevent, control, and mitigate their impacts on desalination plants. The algae distribution monitoring component of the MWQMP provides critical data regarding the status of harmful algae distribution, HAB incidences (red tides), and the resulting impacts on desalination plants, as well as Abu Dhabi s environment, economy, and public health. //NEW SOFTWARE AND INSTALLATION OF THE EXPANDED BUOY PROGRAM The expanded buoy program provides a real-time early warning system for detecting bloom-forming algae. The data collected through telemetry can alert EAD to potential impacts from algal blooms, such as fish kills, disruption of recreational water use, and risks to the operation of desalination facilities. EAD initiated the deployment of eight new buoys to enhance the automated monitoring program. Out of the eight new buoys, six will be sited in remote areas, where they will provide EAD with highly efficient early warning capabilities in important offshore marine habitats. In 2016, the data management software for the expanded buoy program was changed to accommodate external stakeholder data and facilitate real-time management of critical MWQ data. //HAB TOXIN CHARACTERIZATION Because HABs, especially blooms of toxin-producing species, pose a serious risk to public health, marine species, and the environment and to desalination plant operations, scientific understanding and engineering approaches are vital to mitigate the impacts. In 2016, EAD completed a pilot project to establish the occurrence and the distribution of harmful algal toxins such as domoic acid, saxitoxin, and okadaic acid and to investigate the feasibility of using a recently developed analytic technique for estimating the presence of many of these toxigenic species in Abu Dhabi waters. Four sampling sites representing different habitats around Abu Dhabi City were selected: Bateen Beach, Mussafah South Channel, and two sites along the Eastern Corniche. Results from the project indicated that domoic acid was present when certain species of algae were abundant. This particular type of algae is occasionally abundant in Abu Dhabi s waters. //HARMFUL ALGAL CYST IDENTIFICATION EAD commissioned the first preliminary cyst survey in Abu Dhabi waters. Cysts are dormant stages of some algal species, and they may be found in sediments. Samples of bottom sediments from 131 sites were analyzed for cysts to develop a distribution database. Cysts of harmful algal species were recorded from almost all samples, many of which included toxic species, showing that bottom sediments within the entire region should be considered as probable sources for HABs. Natural and manmade disturbance of bottom sediments and changes in water quality have been known to prompt germination of the cysts into actively growing algal cells. //RECREATIONAL BEACH WATER QUALITY In April 2016, EAD staff presented a paper during the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency s Recreational Waters Conference in New Orleans, LA (USA). The paper was titled A Pilot Study of Microbial Contamination at Recreational Beaches in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. The presentation highlighted the findings of a recreational beach water quality pilot study performed on recreational beaches in Abu Dhabi Emirate s Al Dhafra Region in 2015 and on Abu Dhabi City beaches in The conference was attended by experts from the United States and other nations who specialize in recreational water quality, including local beach managers, federal-level policy makers, academic researchers, and many others. 18

20 WAY FORWARD 19

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22 //DATA COLLECTION FROM AUTOMATED BUOYS 6.1In 2017, the remainder of the automated data buoys (bringing the total to 11) will be deployed, calibrated, and real-time, 24-hour, 7-days-per-week data collection will become operational. In addition, EAD will receive MWQ data from other agencies automated collection systems. The increased number of buoys and data will further enhance EAD s real-time monitoring capabilities. //REVISION OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR MARINE WATER AND SEDIMENT SAMPLING 6.2A routine review of Standard Operating Procedures used for marine water and sediment sampling will be undertaken to ensure that the MWQMP is using the most up to date procedures and best practices. //IMPACTS OF DUST STORMS AND WINDBLOWN DEPOSITION ON MWQ 6.3Winds in Abu Dhabi pick up dust from surrounding regions and may deposit it on coastal waters. Dust may contain nutrients and/or trace metals and may influence MWQ. In 2017, the MWQMP will begin to investigate the effects of dust on marine waters in Abu Dhabi. 21

23 6.4In 2017, //STUDY OF BENTHIC HABS the MWQMP will continue investigations regarding the distribution and abundance of HABs found in the marine benthos, or within or on the top of bottom sediments. //MWQ AWARENESS PRODUCTS 6.5The MWQMP team will work with EAD s communication and environmental information offices to develop a Communications Plan that will share MWQMP actions and information with the following audiences: Governmental agencies Marinas Beach managers Industries and businesses Beach goers Boat owners General public. EAD will disseminate the MWQMP actions and information via press releases, social media, posters, and workshops about the following topics: Early warning system for forecasting HABs Research findings about harmful algal cysts in Abu Dhabi sediments and algal toxins in Abu Dhabi waters Policy and regulatory protections Analysis of data and samples from the transect study about Abu Dhabi marine waters EAD s actions to respond to contaminated hot spots Overview of the MWQMP Recreational water quality Prevention of waterborne illnesses. 22

24 COPYRIGHT Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced in any material from (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the copyright holder. Application for the copyright holders written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher, in accordance with the international copyright Act 1956 and the UAE Federal Law No. (7) Of 2002, concerning copyrights and neighbouring rights, and person acting in contravention of this will be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims. Photo credits: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi CONTACT US Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Call us: (+971) us: customerservice@ead.ae Know more about us: Environment Agency -Abu Dhabi Environment Abu Dhabi Environment Agency -Abu Dhabi