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.