Impact of the Suez Canal on Mediterranean biodiversity

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Suez Canal on the Map

Introduction

The Suez Canal, located in Egypt, is one of the most important waterways in the world, with over 22,000 ships passing through the channel in 2022[1]. The canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, enabling more direct trade between Europe and Asia and saving time, costs, and emissions[2]. The construction and ongoing operation of the Suez Canal have significantly impacted the Mediterranean region's biodiversity, prompted by the spread of over 400 non-native species, disrupting native habitats surrounding the Suez Canal[3]. The scale of this problem has been magnified since the canal's expansion in 2015, which facilitated an even more significant influx of non-native species[4]. Furthermore, the dramatic restructuring of the Mediterranean ecosystem by introducing of non-native species is causing the population decline of native species, including mussels, prawns, and red mullet[4].

Background on the Issue

Construction of the Suez Canal

Suez Canal in 1882

The construction of the Suez Canal started in 1859 and was completed and opened in 1869. Developed by Ferdinand de Lesseps and backed by French and British investors[5], the canal's construction was a remarkable feat of engineering for its time. The canal’s construction required the excavation of 74 million cubic meters of soil, with the workforce comprised mainly Egyptian laborers[5].

The project faced numerous challenges, including a cholera epidemic and harsh climactic conditions, resulting in the construction taking 10 years instead of the projected 6[5]. The artificial waterway spans 193.3 kilometres and is 205 metres wide, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea[6].

Historical Significance

The Suez Canal has had profound geopolitical consequences since its creation. After the United Kingdom occupied Egypt in 1882 to protect its interests in the region and the Suez Canal, it became a symbol of British Imperial power[7]. The Egyptian government's nationalization of the Suez Canal in 1956 led to the Suez Crisis, involving military intervention by the United Kingdom, France, and Israel to regain control of the canal. This marked a significant event in the canal’s and world’s history, accelerating the decline of British imperialism[8].

Introduction of Non-Indigenous Species

A significant ecological impact of the Suez Canal is the human introduction of non-indigenous species into the Mediterranean Sea. Ballast water is held within cargo ships for stability and maneuverability when empty or carrying small loads[9]. The water, often pumped into the vessel while docked in waters harbouring foreign biota, has many organisms, including plankton, larvae, and other aquatic species[9]. When discharged, these organisms can thrive in the new environment, outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and sometimes become invasive, leading to biodiversity loss[3].

Intensity, Frequency, and Severity of Impacts

The effects of the Suez Canal on biodiversity are influenced by various factors, including shipping traffic volume and the management of ballast water. The severity of impacts varies depending on the adaptability of invasive species and local environmental conditions[3].

Intensity

The intensity of the impact of the Suez Canal on Mediterranean biodiversity is primarily driven by the volume of marine traffic and the nature of the species being introduced. The Suez Canal is one of the world's busiest maritime routes, with a significant increase in traffic following its expansion. This increase in traffic has correspondingly increased the rate at which non-indigenous species are introduced into the Mediterranean. The intensity is also amplified by the nature of some of these species, particularly those that are highly adaptable and can quickly establish themselves in new environments, outcompeting native species and disrupting local ecosystems[3][4].

Frequency

Toxic Jellyfish or Nomad Jellyfish or Rhopilema Nomadica

The frequency of biological invasions through the Suez Canal is consistently high due to the continuous flow of marine traffic. This constant movement of ships results in a steady introduction of new species into the Mediterranean Sea. The frequency of these introductions is further exacerbated by the lack of effective ballast water management in some vessels, leading to more frequent releases of non-native species into the Mediterranean waters[3].

Severity

The severity of the impacts varies significantly depending on the ecological characteristics of the introduced species and the resilience of local ecosystems. Some species have severe consequences, such as the highly venomous lionfish and toxic jellyfish, which pose direct threats to human health and have led to the closure of beaches and damage to power plants. Other species may have less direct, but still significant, impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The severity is also influenced by the adaptability of these species to the Mediterranean environment and their potential to become invasive[4].


Variables Influencing the Impacts

Factors influencing the impacts include the volume of shipping traffic, ballast water management resources, and local environmental conditions. The specific species introduced and their ecological traits also play a significant role in their impact on local biodiversity[3].

Example of Maritime Traffic

Volume of Shipping Traffic

The amount of traffic passing through the Suez Canal is a primary driver of introducing non-indigenous species. The canal's expansion has increased the size and number of vessels passing through, elevating the risk of introducing more species. Larger ships with greater ballast capacities can carry a more comprehensive array of species, increasing the diversity of potential invaders[1][3][10]. Factors influencing the impacts include the volume of shipping traffic, ballast water management resources, and local environmental conditions. The specific species introduced and their ecological traits also play a significant role in their impact on local biodiversity

Environmental Conditions

Local environmental conditions in the Mediterranean, such as temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels, significantly affect the success of introduced species. Some species are more adaptable and can thrive in various conditions, increasing their impact. Conversely, species that cannot adapt to local conditions may have a minimal effect. Climate change also influences these conditions, adding another layer of complexity to the issue[4][10].

Species Specificity

The specific traits of the introduced species, such as their reproductive rate, adaptability, and predatory behavior, play a crucial role in their impact on local ecosystems. Due to their high reproductive rates or adaptability, some species can become invasive more quickly and disrupt local ecosystems more severely. Conversely, species that do not adapt well or have lower reproductive rates may have a lesser impact[3].

In summary, the intensity, frequency, and severity of the impacts of the Suez Canal on Mediterranean biodiversity are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including shipping traffic volume, ballast water management practices, local environmental conditions, and the specific traits of the introduced species. Understanding these variables is crucial in mitigating the negative impacts of the Suez Canal on Mediterranean biodiversity.

Other Relevant Information

Geopolitical and Economic Significance

Ever Given Blocking Canal

The Suez Canal's strategic location has made it a focal point in international geopolitics and economics. It is a crucial artery for global trade, with about 12% of global trade passing through it. The significance of the Suez Canal crisis was starkly highlighted in 2021 when the container ship Ever Given blocked the canal, disrupting global shipping and highlighting the canal's vital role in international commerce. The canal is not just a shipping route but also a political tool, influencing relationships between countries in the Middle East and globally. Control and access to the canal have historically been points of contention, impacting diplomatic relations, particularly between Egypt and other nations with vested interests in the region[4][10].

Environmental and Sustainability Challenges

The Suez Canal's expansion and increased traffic have raised concerns about environmental sustainability and marine pollution. The intensive use of the canal has led to significant ecological disturbances, including habitat destruction and pollution from oil spills and ballast water discharge. These environmental challenges necessitate international cooperation and stringent regulations to mitigate the negative impacts on the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding ecosystems[3].

International Collaboration and Regulations

The challenges of the Suez Canal have prompted international efforts to address environmental, economic, and security concerns. The United Nations and other international organizations have been involved in discussions and workshops focusing on the sustainability of oceanic routes, including the Suez Canal. There is a growing recognition of the need for international regulations and cooperative measures to manage the environmental impacts, ensure maritime safety, and maintain the free flow of global trade through this critical waterway[4].


Current Remedial Actions

Ballast-water management/treatment has been implicated on shipping routes in order to minimize the transfer of alien species and pathogens when ships pass through the canal[11]. Although Ballast-water management is being implemented, haul-fouling is still a problem, which is the accumulation of unwanted material on solid surfaces on ships that would have an effect on the ships drag, speed and fuel consumption efficiency and is not thoroughly addressed. Furthermore, assisted migration of endangered species can also be implemented to increase biodiversity in the area.

Hauling and Fouling

Hauling and fouling can starts when biofouling occurs, which is the attachment and accumulation of unwanted materials such as algae, barnacles, seaweed, microorganisms, small animals, and plants on a submerged or damp surface like a vessel hull or propeller. This poses a problem and can result in a rise of fuel consumption for ships that can cause an increase in both the hydrodynamic friction and volume of the vessel that can lead to a 40% increase in fuel consumption, more extended periods of drydocking due to repairing the ships hull and anti-fouling coating replacement which result in removal of access paint coating on the hull of ships that can prevent marine species and organisms from attaching to the vessel surfaces that contact water, as well as cause damage to precious marine ecosystems and biodiversity in the Suez Canal. Solutions to prevent this include traditional hull cleaning methods for ships and using HullWipers. Traditional haul cleaning methods often require manual labour by diving down to the ship's side with brushes or brush karts to clean and scrub the accumulated unwanted materials off the boat. Still, these people are often restricted to daylight hours and downtime due to unexpected weather conditions[12].

Ballast Water Management

Ballast Water Management on Ships

Ballast water treatment is crucial in controlling the spread of non-indigenous species and pathogens. Ships take on ballast water in one region and discharge it in another, often releasing non-native species into new environments. Effective management and treatment of ballast water are essential in reducing this vector of species introduction. However, compliance and the effectiveness of these management practices vary, impacting the frequency and diversity of introduction to non-native species throughout the canal[3].

Assisted Migration of Endangered Species

Assisted migration/managed colonization or managed relocation have also been proposed near the canal to control the biodiversity of species in which it would be able to predict the translocation of endangered species near the canal to more favorable locations. Some benefits include increasing the chances of the population persistence of species living in, near, or around the canal, as well as increasing species resilience to climate change. Although with these benefits in place there are many international guidelines regarding this action that need to be supported by robust risk assessment and use of this method have separated the scientific community regarding whether the benefits of conserving threatened species outweigh the potential risk[13].

The Path Forward

Long-term effects of invasive species

Destruction of marine habitat and ecosystem, with invasive species playing a factor

Invasive species affect the Suez Canal's native species and biodiversity through habitat degradation, destruction and extinction of native species, and decreased provisioning services for nearby communities[14]. Moreover, these species act as predators, eating other native species and outcompeting other native species for food and resources[15]. The movement of non-native species of crustaceans can cause coastal waters to be uninhabitable for humans through poisonous and aggressive invasive species of fish, such as the lionfish and the fish specimen lagocephalus sceleratus[16]. Without action to mitigate these biodiversity issues, the long-term effects caused by invasive species are irreversible, causing critical destruction to the Suez Canal ecosystem and even the extinction of native species and biodiversity[17].

Methods for protecting Suez Canal biodiversity against invasive species

A recovery plan is needed to ensure plans and solutions for preventing incidents like the Suez Canal from happening again [18]. Furthermore, Segal discusses the importance of implementing structural and organizational methods such as implementing future objectives planning and assigning tasks to workers involved to stop the issue of invasive species. He says that physical/chemical barriers in the Suez Canal can be used to prevent the invasion of foreign species from entering the canal. Specifically, increasing salinity levels in the water keeps invasive species away from the canal[19]. Increasing salinity levels of non-indigenous species can limit their behavior and physical body functions through alternating personalities[20]. Bella Galil's research states that the concentration of salt in the Suez Canal provided by the Greater and Litter Bitter Lakes has decreased because of pollution and wastewater from agricultural activities, as well as the widening of the Suez Canal[21]. According to the article, this "salt barrier" can convert seawater into freshwater for society. Moreover, desalination centers can use the salt provided for the oceans as a salt barrier to prevent invasive species from entering and degrading the ecosystem in the canal[14]. Implementing a sustainable increase of salinity in seawater where invasive species destroy native species is beneficial for the ecosystem and humanity.

Managing Choke Points as a future solution for the Suez Canal crisis:

Suez Canal satellite view

One of the most notable contributions Segal makes in his Forbes article discussing how to prevent an accident such as the Ever Given container ship accident from happening again is learning from our mistakes[22]. Specifically, he discusses the cruciality of how society must implement more measures to prevent and mitigate mistakes from occurring for economic trade to flourish. One of the ways he discusses this is through his discussion on managing the establishment of choke points. Moreover, as seen through the Suez Canal, supply chains are vulnerable to many factors that can make these systems fail. As Segal states in his article, managing these chokepoints affects society's economic flourishment and success. Choke points are locations with significant strategic importance, such as a bridge, tunnel, or area of land that operates for international trade for society[23].

Furthermore, Segal quotes words from Usha Haley, a distinguished chair in international business at Wichita State University. Haley states in Segal's article that steps towards better implementation management on choke points can be achieved through government partnerships and cooperation: "Companies single-handedly will have difficulties remedying these infrastructural choke points without partnering with governments. She further notes how many countries in the past have been able to handle choke points in different incidents and accidents, such as the United States handling Huawei's concerns over the 5G network very well. She states: "The U.S. government is aware of choke points' political and economic power in emerging technologies. These established transportation and shipping technologies have equal strategic and national importance". This demonstrates that government partnerships are an innovative and achievable goal, making it possible to prevent accidents such as the Suez Canal crisis. Moreover, Haley says that both groups, such as governments and small organizations throughout the world, will need to plan and manage budgets and develop planning to avoid difficulties and failures so that global trade can continue to occur, further preventing situations to be avoided such as the Suez Canal crisis. She also exclaims that accidents in trade can still happen even though precautions are implemented, meaning that constant problem-solving and planning are required to continue providing trade services[22].

Conclusion

Non-native species, including species such as the lionfish, and the fish species lagocephalus sceleratus threaten biodiversity and native species within the Mediterranean Sea[4]. Their introduction into the area is linked to the construction and ongoing operation of the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The spread of these invasive species is facilitated through the expulsion of ballast water, which often contains foreign organisms, by ships using the canal[9]. Human action is required with such disastrous human-caused ecological impacts in the region. A clear recovery plan is necessary to mitigate the effects of invasive species[18]. Various methods that can be used within the plan include treating ballast water, the cleaning of ship hulls, and regulating salinity in the canal water[3][12][14]. Cooperation among governments, companies, and stakeholders is essential to ensure the efficacy of these actions. The Suez Canal serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between economic development and environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of responsible and sustainable practices.

References

Please use the Wikipedia reference style. Provide a citation for every sentence, statement, thought, or bit of data not your own, giving the author, year, AND page. For dictionary references for English-language terms, I strongly recommend you use the Oxford English Dictionary. You can reference foreign-language sources but please also provide translations into English in the reference list.

Note: Before writing your wiki article on the UBC Wiki, it may be helpful to review the tips in Wikipedia: Writing better articles.[24]

  1. ↑ Placek, M. (2022, November 28). Annual ship traffic in the Suez Canal 1976-2022. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1252568/number-of-transits-in-the-suez-cana-annually/
  2. ↑ Galil, B. S., Boero, F., Fraschetti, S., Piraino, S., Campbell, M. L., Hewitt, C. L., Carlton, J. T., Cook, E. J., Jelmert, A., Macpherson, E., Marchini, A., Occhipinti-Ambrogi, A., McKenzie, C. H., Minchin, D., Ojaveer, H., Olenin, S., & Ruiz, G. (2015, June 23). The enlargement of the Suez Canal and introduction of non-indigenous species to the Mediterranean Sea. Research Commons. https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/9431
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 Katsanevakis, S., Coll, M., Piroddi, C., Steenbeek, J., Ben Rais Lasram, F., Zenetos, A., & Cardoso, A. C. (2014, July 23). Invading the Mediterranean Sea: Biodiversity patterns shaped by human activities. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2014.00032/full
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Heller, A., & Debre, I. (2020, January 16). Experts say Mediterranean Sea altered by Suez Canal’s invasive species. Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/experts-say-mediterranean-sea-altered-by-suez-canals-invasive-species/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Fisher, W. B., & Smith, C. G. (n.d.). Suez Canal. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Suez-Canal/History
  6. ↑ ESA. (n.d.). Suez Canal, Egypt. Earth Watching. https://earth.esa.int/web/earth-watching/image-of-the-week/content/-/article/suez-canal-egypt/
  7. ↑ Sayyid-Marsot, A. L. (1999, October). The British Occupation of Egypt from 1882. Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/book/1389/chapter-abstract/140725057?redirectedFrom=fulltext
  8. ↑ Rystad, K. (1970, January 1). The suez crisis and British colonial policy - how the suez crisis accelerated the decolonisation of the British Empire. NTNU Open. https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/handle/11250/2575112
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 International Maritime Organization. (n.d.). Ballast Water Management. https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/environment/pages/ballastwatermanagement.aspx#:~:text=Ballast%20water%20is%20pumped%20in,to%20fuel%20and%20water%20consumption.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Biton, E. (2020, December 3). Possible implications of sea level changes for species migration through the Suez Canal. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78313-2
  11. ↑ Bereza, D., Rosen, D., & Shenkar, N. (2020). Current trends in ship movement via the Suez Canal in relation to future legislation and mitigation of marine species introductions. Management of Biological Invasions: International Journal of Applied Research on Biological Invasions, 11(3), 476–492. https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2020.11.3.09
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Vessel hull cleaning in Suez Canal Egypt. (2021, February 2). HullWiper; #creator. https://www.hullwiper.co/news/vessel-hull-cleaning-in-suez-canal-egypt
  13. ↑ Hulme, P. E. (2015). Invasion pathways at a crossroad: policy and research challenges for managing alien species introductions. The Journal of Applied Ecology, 52(6), 1418–1424. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12470
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Galil, B. S. (2023, January 6). A sea, a canal, a disaster: The Suez Canal and the transformation of the Mediterranean biota. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-15670-0_10#:~:text=The%20Canal%2Dintroduced%20species%20form,of%20goods%20and%20services%E2%80%94profound
  15. ↑ Canada, E. and C. C. (2017a, May 12). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/biodiversity/why-invasive-alien-species-are-problem.html
  16. ↑ Heller, A., & Debre, I. (2020, January 16). Experts say med sea altered by Suez Canal’s invasive species - phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2020-01-experts-med-sea-suez-canal.html
  17. ↑ Invasive species. Canadian Council on Invasive Species. (2022, July 4). https://canadainvasives.ca/invasive-species/#:~:text=Once%20established%2C%20invasive%20species%20become,irreversible%20to%20the%20local%20ecosystem.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Segal, E. (2021, March 29). How to recover from Suez Canal debacle and prevent another supply chain ... https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsegal/2021/03/29/how-to-recover-from-suez-canal-debacle-and-prevent-another-supply-chain-crisis/
  19. ↑ Climate change and invasive species - nisaw. (n.d.). https://www.nisaw.org/climatechange/
  20. ↑ Zhou, L., Liu, K., Zhao, Y., Cui, L., Dong, C., & Wang, Z. (2022, June 21). Increasing salinization of freshwater limits invasiveness of a live-bearing fish: Insights from behavioral and life-history traits. Environmental Pollution. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749122008727
  21. ↑ Climate change and invasive species - nisaw. (n.d.). https://www.nisaw.org/climatechange/
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Segal, E. (2021, March 29). How to recover from Suez Canal debacle and prevent another supply chain ... https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsegal/2021/03/29/how-to-recover-from-suez-canal-debacle-and-prevent-another-supply-chain-crisis/
  23. ↑ Human geography. StudySmarter UK. (n.d.). https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/human-geography/political-geography/choke-point/
  24. ↑ En.wikipedia.org. (2018). Writing better articles. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_better_articles [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].
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