With the surveying at Al Wajh and Duba Desalination Plant completed, the Aegaeo set a course northward towards the Gulf of Aqaba, with planned survey stops at Magna and Haql. Both are modest-sized population areas without significant sources of environmental pressure (when compared with areas such as Yanbu and Jeddah).  

Haql, as seen from the Aegaeo.

Sampling Locations at Haql. HQ-5 site was sampled with the aim of identifying possible phosphorus pollution from the north.

The Aegaeo’s zodiac remained high and dry throughout the day as we were able to sample all stations, at both Magna and Haql, from the deck of the Aegaeo.  As with the other sites surveyed, scientists from NCEC and HCMR teamed up to conduct onboard chemical analysis of the water samples acquired.

With the samples secured and this work underway, the Aegaeo set out on a southwards course toward the Tabuk Fisheries, the final survey area of the cruise.

Taha Boksmati (NCEC) and George Pappas (HCMR) working on sediment sample from Haql.