Evaluation of coastal problems at Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt containing more than one third of the national industries and considered as the principal seaside summer resort on the Mediterranean. The coastal zone is presently experiencing two main problems resulting from natural and human activities: beach erosion and pollution. Most of the Alexandria coasts are rocky and have very little or no beach. Significant erosion occurs along most of Alexandria beaches as a result of sediment starvation, coastal processes and sea level rise. One of the most serious threats to the coastal zone comes from inland pollution sources, Mariut lake and sewage pipelines. As a result of increasing population and industrial development, poorly untreated industrial waste, domestic sewage, shipping industry and agricultural runoff are being released to the coast. With the rapid increase in the industries and population, changes in water quality would have potential consequences for the large rapidly growing population of the Alexandria region. Recommendations for environmental recovery and restoration are proposed for preservation of Alexandria resort beaches and harbours in order to facilitate development of environmental and tourist activities.