Conclusion
The Sufa wreck has been underwater for over two years and is in the early stages of colonisation by corals. This is why our quadrate sampling survey of the outer surfaces of the wreck is inconclusive as to the pattern of coral settlement. Our multiple regression test of diversity index (Shannon -Winer) against 6 independent elements suggests random distribution. However single independent Chi2 tests show a distinctive correlation between coverage and disturbance (significant) and surface complexity (not significant). Although the general trend of the influencing elements is indecisive we have to look at each quadrate, separately and take account of the possible effect of the combination of elements. It has to be said that the percentage cover of the corals out of the entire quadrate area is very low and is likely to rise with time. Most statistical tests and diversity indexes are affected by sample size and number so these results should act as an indicator rather then a prediction. By composing the chart below it is visually possible to see how the elements are affecting the coverage in conjunction with each other and independently of each other
The results of this survey have given rise to other unanswered questions such as what place species composition takes in the study area. The coral community builds up as the succession process takes place. The data collection of this study and others in the field is lacking standardisation especially in measuring elements like disturbance, sedimentation and etc. Competition and grazing/predation are important elements which were neglected due to our lack of time and resources.
We strongly feel that future surveys should utilise the transect sampling as they can be easily interpreted, give a more quantitative overview of the coral attachments and are less effected by localised communities then quadrate sampling. They would give the opportunity to have more samples and be better scattered around the wreck. In order to proceed in understanding the colonisation and recruitment of the wreck, a survey should be executed in intervals of 6-12 months. The present recruitment pattern is relatively scarce but we speculate that it would build up with time. It would be very valuable to know what the natural recruitment patterns are for comparison.
We have no doubt the deployment of the battleship Sufa was a total success and filled in an important conservation niche - diverting diving traffic. It is highly utilised as a "deep dive" location on courses and as introductory diving site for less experienced divers. It also gives divers the opportunity to practice more adventurous diving which would have detrimental effect on a natural reef. As such it suffers high diving related stress and might be developing slowly. The Sufa and other artificial objects like it contribute to the topographical complexity of the Eilat coast line supplying more settlement surfaces and utilising otherwise unfavourable locations (sandy bottoms etc.).
In future, similar projects should be promoted (that is not to say the
coast line should become a junkyard for dead ships...) with the same caution
and thorough preparation standards the Sufa battleship received.
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