National Systematic Observation System
for Coastal Zones of Egypt
Ibrahim Elshinnawy
CoRI Director
ClimaSouth Workshop, Cairo, Egypt
5-9 Januwary, 2014
OUTLINES
 Why
the observation system
 Coastal
Data and Observation Resources
 Facilities
of CoRI
 Coastal
Observation Instruments
 Data
 Way
Requirements and Strategic Monitoring
Forward
WHY SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION SYSTEM
Importance of the coastal zones in Egypt:

The Egyptian coastline, including the Sinai peninsula, extends
to 3,500 kilometers.

The wetlands of the Nile delta constitutes about 25% of the
total wetlands area in the Mediterranean region, and produce
60% of fish catch of Egypt

The coastal zones of the Red sea incorporate about one third
of the national tourist income through its illustrious cities and
nature
WHY SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION SYSTEM

Agriculture is quite critical to the national economy

Major urban centers, commerce, and industrial activities are
also confined to the Nile and the coast around its delta
rn
Inte
oad
tal R
oas
C
l
na
atio
^_
El Borg
^_
Baltim
^_
al
on
ati
n
r
e
Int
tal
as
Co
ad
Ro
^_
Rosetta
^_
Ras El Bar
Damietta
^_
^_
Alexandria
^_
Kafr El Dawar
^_
^_
Damanhour
Desouk
^_
Kafr El Shaikh
^_
Mansoura
Por
WHY SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION SYSTEM
The coastal zone of Egypt suffers from a number of problems,
including :

high rate of population growth

Subsidence

excessive erosion rates

water logging

soil salinity

land use interference

ecosystem pollution and degradation

lack of appropriate institutional management systems

lack of consistent information system, Metrological and
Oceanographic measurements
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES
Coastal Research Institute (CoRI)

Protection and management Studies for shoreline and coastal
systems of Egypt

Accurate measurements and analysis of data for Egyptian coastal
zones and coastal systems.
Data Available:
CoRI has a coastal database includes metrological, hydrological and
hydrographic data since 1971
1900
Shoreline 1900
Shoreline 1955
1810
1909
1935
1947
1964
1988
2000
Shoreline 1964
Shoreline 1971
Shoreline 1900
Shoreline 1988
1964
Shoreline 1964
Shoreline 1990
Shoreline 1971
Shoreline 1991
Shoreline 1988
1971
Shoreline 1895
Shoreline 1988
1911
1895
Shoreline 1935
1955
Shoreline 1955
1955
Shoreline 1983
1988
1982
1992
Shoreline 1995
Shoreline 2000
1983
1991
1995
Shoreline 1996
Shoreline 2000
0
Lak
1988
1990
400 800 1000 m
u
eB
us
rull
1990
1991
1992
2000
Protec
tion Sea
Wall
2000
ad
ved Ro
Pa
Light House
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES AND IRRIGATION
NATIONAL WATER RESEARCH CENTER
COASTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
0 400 800 1000 m
1991
1965
Shoreline 1991
1990
Grand Hotel
Shoreline 1991
Shoreline 1965
Shoreline 1982
Shoreline 1992
Shoreline 1990
Shoreline 1991
Shoreline 1992
Shoreline 2000
1935
Shoreline 1911
Shoreline 1990
Shoreline 1996
Shoreline 1990
0
Shoreline Evolution at Burullus lake outlet
(1810 to 2000)
200 400 600 800 m
0
400
0
800 1000 m
Shoreline Evolution at Damietta
Promontory (1895 to 2000)
Shoreline Evolution at Baltim Sea Resort
(1955 to 1990)
200
400 m
GIS and Remote Sensing Unit
Shoreline Evolution East of Damietta Nile
Branch (From 1965 to 2000)
1996
2000
BRP 55.0
BRP 56.6
BRP 57.7
BRP 58.2
GSP 00.0
GSP 1.0
GSP 1.9
RG
P 1.5
RG
P 0.1
RG
P 2.5
BRP 43.0
BRP 48.0
BRP 38.0
BRP 9.0
BRP 9.5
BRP 11.4
BRP 20.0
BRP 24.0
BRP 28.0
28.4
0.0
GSP
3.9
9.7
13.0
GSP
GSP
28.3
5
26.8
RHP
RHP 23.0
RHP 22.0
21.0
RHP
RHP 20.0
.0
1
0
10
20
Hydrografic and Land Profiles
Tide Gauge Stations
Wave and Current Gauge Stations (S4DW)
Longshore Current Measurement Stations
Weather Station
Water Quality Sampling Stations
30 km
‫المحطات الحقلية واألنشطة البحثية المختلفة لمعهد بحوث الشواطئ‬
RG
P 37.
0
RG
P 40.
0
.0
.0
P 49 .0
AL P 50 .0
AL P 51 .0
AL P 52 .0
AL P 53 .0
AL P 54 .0
AL P 55 .0
AL P 5657.0.0
AL PP 5859.0.0
AL P 60
AL P
.0
AL
AL P 61 .0
AL P 62 .0
AL P 63
AL
1 Institute Administration Bulding
2 Abu Qir Research Station
3 Rosetta Field Station
4 Burullus Field Station
5 Ras El Bar Research Station
2
GPP 0.0
RG
P 32
10
RHP 0.0
AMP 15.0
P
RH
5
1
P3
AL P33
AL P37
AL
P2
AL
4
P1
7
AL
P1
AL
9
P1
AL
P9
AL
P1
AL
P3
AL
Abu Qir Research Station Zone
3
RH 19.0
RH P 18.
0
RH P
RH P 17.0
P 1516.0
.0
GPP 5.0
Time Period (Year)
Shoreline Retreat Rate East and West Rosetta
Mouth During The Past Century
RG
P 22
.0
24.8
.0
30.0
6.0
1994:1996
1991:1994
1990:1991
1988:1990
1987:1988
1983:1987
1981:1983
1971:1981
1955:1971
1942:1955
RHP
RHP
RGP
RHP
0
RG
P 20
RHP
20
GSP
4
40
RGP
WBP 5.8
Ras El Bar Research Station Zone
28.3
GSP
27.0
GSP 26.4
GSP 25.4
GSP
24.4
GSP 24.1
GSP 23.1
GSP 21.3
GSP 20.3
GSP 19.3
GSP 17.9
GSP 17.0
GSP
16.0
GSP
.1
WB
P 6.8
WB
P 9.0
WB
P 10.
6
WBP
13.2
WBP 15.1
WBP
17.8
BRP 6.0
BRP 8.0
BRP 5.0
BRP 4.0
BRP 3.0
BRP 2.4
BRP 2.0
BRP 1.5
BRP 1.0
BRP 0.6
BRP 0.2
BRP 7.0
WBP 45.0
WBP 50.0
WBP 35.0
WBP 21.7
WBP 25.0
30
60
WBP 30.0
P 4.1
4.6
5.7
WB
P
RH
P 2.9
80
WBP
100
WBP
120
WBP 40.0
West of Rosetta Mouth
East of Rosetta Mouth
BRP 13.0
BRP 13.4
BRP 14.8
BRP 16.5
Burullus Field Station Zone
Rosetta Field Station Zone
Shoreline Evolution at Rosetta Promontory
(1900 to 2000)
160
140
WBP 62.6
WBP 61.6
WBP 60.6
WBP 59.9
WBP 58.6
WBP 57.6
WBP 56.8
200
180
WB
Shoreline Retreat (meter/Year)

1922:1942

Responsibility:
1909:1922

1898:1909

COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Egyptian National Oceanographic Data Center (ENODC)

Responsibility:


Receive, Prepare and maintain data observed by NIOF-branches as
well as the available oceanographic and weather data from
Meteorological Agency, Fisheries Agency, Universities and other
organization in Egypt.
Data Available:

Checklist of Egyptian Mediterranean and Red Sea Fishes.

Tides at Alexandria, Egypt, for the period 1993-2000.

Hydrographic studies of some lagoons near Hurgadda.

Current System Survey at Exploratory drilling site Hurgada-Red Sea.

Topography, tides and physio-chemical characteristics of Sinai.

Concentrations of the major ions in sea water of deferent salinity.

Physical Oceanography data for Red Sea (1990-2000).

Circulation models applied on the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

A comprehensive bibliography of the physical oceanography of the Mediterranean Sea.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space sciences (NARSS)

Responsibility:


NARSS is mainly aiming at promoting the use of the state of the art of
space technology and Earth observation for the sustainable
development of Egypt and introducing high technological
capabilities into the local and regional market.
Data Available:

Data provided by earth observation satellites and various airborne
sensors

Produce maps and spatial data for the evaluation and monitoring of
natural resources and natural hazards.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Ministry of petroleum and Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI)

Responsibility:


Develop studies and applications within the Oil sector, and to find
solutions to both long and short terms Oil sector’s technical problems.
Data Available:

Metrological and oceanographic data of the Mediterranean and
Red sea petroleum platform’s sites.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Egyptian Environmental Affair Agency (EEAA)


Responsibility:

Formulating environmental policies.

Preparing the necessary plans for Environmental protection and
Environmental development projects, following up their
implementation, and undertaking Pilot Projects.

The Agency is the National Authority in charge of promoting
environmental relations between Egypt and other States, as well as
Regional and International Organizations.
Data Available:

Monitoring Program (EIMP) aims at establishing national
environmental monitoring program for ambient air and coastal
waters. (http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/arabic/main/achivements.asp)

EEAA is responsible for collecting the EIA studies for all new projects
within the coastal zone. These studies have value metrological and
oceanographic data.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Shore Protection Authority (SPA)


Responsibility:

Responsible for managing the shoreline in coastal areas that are
threatened by erosion.

Developing shorelines management plans

Designs projects for shore protection.

Issues license for projects to be located in the set-back area
according to existing laws and regulations.
Data Available:

SPA has a monitoring program during construction and assessment of
the coastal structures.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Egyptian Naval Forces, Hydrographic Department (ENHD)

Responsibility:


Responsible for the production of navigation charts for Egyptian
territorial waters in the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
Data Available:

ENHD works closely with the International Hydrographic Organization
(IHO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The department of Oceanography and Meteorology operates wave,
current and tide gauges in the Red Sea and Mediterranean.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Survey Research Institute (SRI)


Responsibility:

Adapt, develop, and incorporate modern methods of
computer-aided field surveying and data processing with the
aim of accelerating the production and updating different
types of maps

to serve as a central organization in developing and applying
all modern aspects of geodesy; photogrammetry, remote
sensing, geodesy and geographic information systems.
Data Available:

SRI has a monitoring program for the sea level changes along
the Mediterranean and Red sea for recent years with the
cooperation of marine forces.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Egyptian Ports Authority (EPA)

Responsibility:


Management of Ports,
Data Available:

EPA has a monitoring program for the metrological and
oceanographic parameters within the Egyptian harbors and ports
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Egyptian Metrological Authority (EMA)

Responsibility:


Responsible for providing the meteorological facilities and services for
the Egyptian Authorities, international marine navigation and
international air navigation
Data Available:

EMA has a large database for the metrological data.
COASTAL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES

Data Exchange Challenges


The national plan for data collection is not established yet. This
situation causes many problems such as:

Lack in data collection standardization.

Lack in data exchange system.

Lack in information about the available data and its sources.

Duplication in collecting the same data which cause loss of money
and time.
To solve these problems, it is recommended to establish a Climate
Data and Information Center (CDIC). The objectives of this center
are:

Acquisition, processing, quality control, inventory, archival and
dissemination of data and data products

responsible for international climate data exchange.

Providing data and information services in real-time.
AVAILABLE FACILITIES AT COASTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The Coastal Research Institute hosts five well-equipped
laboratories in

Sedimentation

Oceanography

water quality

physical model

Database
MAIN AVAILABLE EQUIPMENTS AT COASTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Instrument
Description
Efficiency
Operation Cost/
Unit /Year (L.E)
Repairing
Cost/ Unit
Insurance Cost/
Unit (L.E)
Units
Numbers
Very old and using
drawing Chart
200
150
-
6
Mari graph
Measuring sea Level
Andera
Direct reading Current
Speed and Direction
Working Good
300
100
-
4
Current Meter
(CM2, SM2)
Direct reading Current
Speed and Direction
Working Good
60
150
-
3
Wind Station
Measuring Wind Speed
and Direction
Working Good
300
200
-
2
S4DW
Measuring Wave
Characteristics.
Not working and
need maintain-nce
20000
5000
20000
4
Wave Rider
Measuring Wave
Characteristics
Not working and
need maintain-nce
20000
10000
20000
1
Marine System
(Computer,
DGPX , Echo
Sounder,
Marine Survey
Outboard Motor
and Rubber
Boat))
Working Good
5000
3000
-
5
Total Station
Land Survey
Working Good
2000
1500
-
2
Precise Leveling
Measuring Land Level
Working Good
200
200
-
5
COASTAL OBSERVATION INSTRUMENTS

In order to define Coastal Observation Instruments the
following issues must be considered:

Climate data needs are different to those data needs that
support other activities of national coastal observation services.

Its important to maintain data quality, security, homogeneity and
continuity in long-term that are essential for detecting and
monitoring climate change.

The issues of data rescue and quality control are two particularly
relevant issues in this regard.

Expanding ocean and atmosphere observations scope and scale
is essential to improved understanding, modeling and predicting
of the ocean and climate
COASTAL OBSERVATION INSTRUMENTS

A.
To consider such issues, the following equipments are required:
Oceanographic and Metrological data Acquisition Buoys (3 stations)

Water Temperature

Wave Height and Direction

Current Speed and Direction

Tidal Trends

Salinity

Turbidity and PH

Wind Speed, Direction and Gust

Barometric Pressure and Air Temperature.
COASTAL OBSERVATION INSTRUMENTS
B.
Hydrographic Survey System (2 systems).

Duel frequency Echo sounder for shallow water area, range from
0.5 to 50 m depth

WASS and Deferential enable GPS

Sound velocity meter

Marine computers

Hydrographic survey software for surveying and data analysis
COASTAL OBSERVATION INSTRUMENTS
Models

Coastal Research Institute staff developed SIMCOPRO and ImSedTran
models

Simulating coastal processes (SIMCOPRO) is a 2-D model simulating the
distribution of currents, waves and sediment transport.

Implicit sediment transport (ImSedTran) is a 2-Dmodel Simulate the
distribution of the wave and determine breaking characteristic, taking into
consideration the influence of existing ridges and contour line.

In addition CoRI researcher used the free One-line models GENESIS to
estimate long-shore sand transport rates and long-term shoreline
changes.

CoRI researchers need training on MIKE 21 2-Dimensional Wave model
and Litpack main modules
DATA REQUIREMENTS AND STRATEGIC MONITORING

A.
Observation plan is urgently needed for measuring
metrological and oceanography parameters which have a
great impacts on coastal zone.
Inshore zone:

Periodic land survey of hydrographic profiles distributed along the
study area two times per year.

Recording wind speed and direction.
DATA REQUIREMENTS AND STRATEGIC MONITORING
B.
Near shore zone:

Periodic survey of hydrographic profiles distributed along the
study area two times per year.

Recording the variation of sea level.

Daily measurements of long-shore current in the critical areas.

Measuring current beyond breaker zone, two times per year.

Measuring current in the outlets of the lakes (daily).

Collecting surface bottom
samples from the seabed,
times per year.

Measuring temperature,
salinity, two times per year.
two
DATA REQUIREMENTS AND STRATEGIC MONITORING
C.
Offshore zone:

• Recording wave height, period and direction.

• Recording current speed and direction.

• Recording weather parameters: air temperature, wind speed &
direction, …etc.
CONTINUOUS OBSERVATION WOULD PROVIDE:

Bathymetric surveys

Topographic surveys

Aerial surveys

Lidar surveys

Ecological mapping

Hydrodynamic data collection

Analytical services
WAY FORWARD
Main problems are:

No data and information exchange

Insufficient budgets and funds

Capacities

No Coordination

No Cooperation

No Integration
The main questions are:

Who makes what, How, Where & for how long…?

Where are the gabs (types, locations, frequencies,
analysis)?

Who would take the lead to initiate coordination that
results in cooperation that reaches the integration?
Thanks to You All