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The
Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) was established in 1997 by ASEZA
on a 7-kilometer-long strip along the southern coast of
the Gulf of Aqaba.
Aqaba's coral reef hosts around 500 species of fish, 127
species of hard coral and 300 of soft coral, in addition
to the thousands of plants and animals that exist there.
Nowhere else in the Indian or Pacific oceans do
reef-building corals grow so far north of the equator.
The
Marine Park is home to 21 of Aqaba's 23 dive sites. It
is responsible for monitoring all diving activities to
make sure the corals and rich marine life are always
protected. The center also arranges clean-up dives as
well as many awareness and outreach programs. In
addition, the Park houses a camp ground that is equipped
with tents, umbrellas, toilets and parking spots.
The
newly-constructed Visitor's Center at the Park is an
essential tool for educating the beach user and the
community. The center caters to all visitors and has
many halls that can be used for educational and outreach
programs to generate awareness of the fragile nature of
the marine environment and the need to protect it.
Activities include displays, lectures, workshops, slide
shows, and a rich library, in addition to focused marine
activities such as the adopt-a-coral project.
The
Park houses a collection of rare shells collected from
all around the world and presented as a gift from
Princess Wijdan. There is also a gift shop which sells
handmade traditional pieces made by the local
fishermen's wives as well as other gift items.
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