Boats anchoring on reefs areas will destroy 4-6m2 of reef surface each time they drop an anchor. Multiple diving vessels on a given mooring increases the density of divers at that particular dive site. Increased diver intensity reduces the attractiveness of the site and results in increased damage to reef surfaces. Vehicles driving on beaches will compact sand, destroying important burrowing invertebrate species. These animals are essential to normal beach processes in that they keep deeper sand layers oxygenated, as well as turning over and sifting sand.
Compacted beaches have higher rates of erosion than non compacted beaches.
Vehicles driving off tracks in the desert damage fragile plant life, destroy seeds lying dormant in the sand pending sufficient moisture to trigger their eventual germination, displace rare wildlife such as the Dorcas Gazelle, the Nubian Ibex, Hyrax, numerous small mammals, birds such as the desert partridge, reptiles and others. Off track driving also destroys sand dunes and increases wind and water erosion of desert surfaces, particularly in restricted wadi beds which are subject to periodic flooding. All visitors must be aware that their actions may have an impact. Individual awareness makes a difference and reduces damage to the area.