Summer–Winter Variability in Phytoplankton Community and Ecological Quality Assessment for Sustainable Management of the Jabal Ali Marine Sanctuary, Dubai, UAE

The Jabal Ali Marine Sanctuary, Dubai, is one of the most important marine protected areas (MPAs) in the UAE. The Arabian Gulf is characterised by extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures and hypersaline waters. These conditions, combined with increasing anthropogenic pressures from coastal development projects such as desalination plants, energy plants and the Palm Jebel Ali development, may influence the pelagic ecosystems of MPAs. This study examined seasonal variability in phytoplankton communities and environmental conditions between summer (June 2017) and winter (December 2017), with particular emphasis on the interactions between temperature-driven stratification, hypersaline conditions, and phytoplankton community structure, abundance, and diversity. The AZTI (AZTI Tecnalia Marine Research Centre) Marine Biotic Index indicated predominantly “Good” to “High” ecological status of the pelagic ecosystem, indicating favourable environmental conditions. Potentially harmful algal bloom taxa, including Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis, were detected at low abundances. Summer surveys recorded higher total species richness (44 vs. 34 species) and greater phytoplankton abundance (mean 68.6 vs. 49.8 cells/L) compared to those in winter. Diatoms dominated the assemblages in both seasons, accounting for 62–69% of the recorded species, while distinct spatial zonation patterns reflected habitat heterogeneity. The observed seasonal and spatial variability highlight the importance of incorporating temporal and spatial dimensions into management strategies. As the first pelagic phytoplankton assessment conducted in an MPA, this study provides important baseline data for understanding phytoplankton ecology in one of the world’s most environmentally extreme marine ecosystems. The findings contribute to evidence-based management under increasing climate change and anthropogenic pressures. However, because sampling was limited to the two principal climatic seasons, the study characterises inter-seasonal variability rather than a complete annual succession cycle. Additional surveys during spring and autumn are recommended to fully resolve seasonal succession dynamics. Overall, the findings support the continued protection of the sanctuary as an important biodiversity reservoir and a potential reference site for assessing marine ecosystem responses to environmental conditions. These findings are directly relevant to the environmental sustainability agenda of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritises the protection and expansion of the emirate’s nature reserves and the safeguarding of marine and coastal biodiversity. By establishing the first pelagic phytoplankton baseline for the sanctuary, this study provides an evidence base for monitoring and managing marine protected areas in line with this long-term framework.