Mohammad I. Badran,^* Mohammad K. Al Zibdah<sup>**


*</sup>Mohammad Badran is an aquatic ecosystem scientist. He served as Jordan's Science Coordinator of two major International research projects: Red Sea Program (1997–2000); and the Red Sea Marine Peace Park; Research, Monitoring and Mangement of the Northern Gulf of Aqaba (1999–2003). He is also the coordinator of two currently running projects: Preserving the Endangered Marine Ecosystems in the Northern Gulf of Aqaba: Development of Resource Management Oriented Research and Novel Monitoring Techniques (2004–2006); and Assimilative capacity of the coastal habitats at the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea (2004–2006). His research interest is to study the relationship between humans and natural resources, coastal pollution and nutrient transport and regeneration in relation with the coral reef ecosystem, water column and sediment biological productivity. He served as Director of the Marine Science Station, Aqaba, University of Jordan / Yarmouk University from September 2000 to September 2004. His address: Marine Science Station, University of Jordan / Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 195, Aqaba, Jordan. abuadam@ju.edu.jo
^**Mohammad Al Zibdah is a fisheries and nutrition scientist. He is experienced in mariculture; early development and nutritional requirements of coral reef fish and ecosystems; underwater still and video photography; and marine aquaria. He has participated in Jordan's National Monitoring Program since 1998 and has focused on the impact of coastal development on coral reef ecosystems, particularly stony coral growth and recruitment. His research interests are the productivity and nutritional value of macroalgae and the reproduction biology, growth, and feeding habits of commercial fish in the Gulf of Aqaba. He recently has focused on the development of environmentally friendly mariculture techniques of ornamental coral reef ecosystem species. His address: Marine Science Station, University of Jordan / Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 195, Aqaba, Jordan. zibdeh@ju.edu.jo