Saudi Red Sea mapping and biodiversity studies boost marine protection efforts

Saudi Accelerates Red Sea Marine Protection with Advanced Mapping and Biodiversity Research

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing an integrated marine knowledge system for the Red Sea, integrating scientific research, environmental protection, and economic development to maximize the region’s environmental, tourism, and commercial value.

Spanning approximately 186,000 square kilometers and encompassing thousands of islands, the Red Sea is one of the Kingdom’s most valuable strategic assets. Recent investments have broadened marine exploration initiatives while redirecting scientific focus from basic observation toward ecosystem management, conservation, and sustainable development.

A recent collaborative study by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and OceanX published high-resolution bathymetric data in *Earth System Science Data*, drawing on information collected during the 2022 Decade Expedition.

The research mapped 860 kilometers of Saudi coastline spanning depths from two meters to over 2,460 meters, filling critical seabed mapping gaps and supporting marine resource management.

NCW has also monitored biodiversity across 64 coastal sites and installed advanced sensors at 37 locations to track sea surface temperatures, establishing baseline data for national environmental policies.

Additional research led by KAUST scientist Michael Berumen identified previously undescribed endemic marine species, establishing scientific foundations for marine protected areas. In 2026, KAUST researchers showcased the effectiveness of environmental DNA (eDNA) in tracking species distribution in the northern Red Sea with minimal ecological disturbance.

The Decade Expedition, supported by more than 3,100 studies from the KAUST Red Sea Research Center, mapped 62,758 square kilometers of seabed, collected over 2,800 biological and genetic samples, and conducted 44 crewed deep-sea dives alongside 133 autonomous vehicle missions within 19 weeks of field operations.

Additionally, researchers documented four previously unknown coral species.

NCW Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohammed Qurban announced the discovery of more than 20 blue holes along the southern Red Sea coast. These rare geological formations provide habitats for corals, sponges, turtles, and fish. Following surveys of sites measuring between 47 and 51.5 meters in depth, the Cabinet designated the Blue Holes a national marine reserve in 2025.

Simultaneously, the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) is conducting a five-year monitoring program across 1,000 coastal locations, with 344 sites completed by late October 2026.

SHAMS has documented 251 coral species, including 25 endemic and 54 threatened species, as well as 358 reef fish species.

The organization has also conducted 321 coral bleaching surveys, evaluated the environmental carrying capacity of 72 sites, and recorded 46 giant coral colonies exceeding five meters in diameter.

In sea turtle conservation, SHAMS confirmed 638 nesting sites in 2025 across 23 key ecological areas, accounting for approximately 70 percent of nesting activity in Saudi waters.

The organization also established the Middle East’s first specialized sea turtle rehabilitation facility in 2024.

Supporting Vision 2030

Marine data is increasingly supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification under Vision 2030, particularly in aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal development, and pharmaceutical research.

Joint programs involving NCW and KAUST focus on breeding and reintroducing endangered freshwater fish species, monitoring mass migrations of the endemic Asir Garra fish, and tracking recurring sightings of Bryde’s whales in the Farasan Islands Protected Area.

Dr. Qurban noted that these data-driven initiatives support the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy, aiming to expand protected marine areas from 3 percent to 30 percent by 2030.

Current priorities include completing a national coral baseline assessment, expanding long-term environmental monitoring, identifying optimal reef restoration sites, and strengthening protections for marine species nesting areas.

Officials state that these initiatives are positioning the Red Sea as a global hub for marine innovation, scientific research, and blue economy development.

Source link