Chlorophyll-a Concentrations analysis During COVID-19 Lockdown Period in Northern Egyptian coastal Area of Mediterranean Sea Using Google Earth Engine

Coastal ecosystems, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, are highly susceptible to anthropogenic pressures such as pollution and habitat destruction. This study study the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) along the Northern Egyptian coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea from 2019 to 2021. Chl-a serves as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass, while SST influences marine species distribution and oceanographic processes. By using satellite data, we analysed these environmental parameters across three sections: the East Coast, Delta, and West-South sections. During the lockdown in 2020, significant ecological shifts were observed. Regions like Kafr El Shaikh, Damietta, and Abu Qir experienced a decrease in Chl-a levels, potentially due to reduced nutrient inputs from agricultural runoff and industrial discharges. Conversely, Alexandria saw an increase in Chl-a, likely resulting from decreased pollution. SST analysis revealed a general warming trend, with notable increases during the lockdown, especially near Alexandria and Port Said.The findings highlight the sensitivity of coastal ecosystems to changes in human activities. The lockdown provided a unique natural experiment to observe the ecological response to reduced anthropogenic pressures.