KAUST researchers have made the first direct observations of active hydrothermal vent fields in the Red Sea, specifically on Hatiba Mons. The total active area spans 1.6 km2, the largest reported globally, with vent temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius supporting thriving microbial communities. The observations, confirmed using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), build on over a decade of data collection. Why it matters: These findings provide insights into the Red Sea's unique biological and mineralogical resources, offering a model to study the evolution of life in extreme environments.
KAUST and Fugro N.V. have inaugurated the KAUST – Fugro Center of Excellence (CoE) for Marine Technology. Fugro will provide access to advanced technologies for data collection in previously inaccessible sites of the Red Sea. They will also establish an ROV Training Academy (ROVTA) at KAUST to train Saudi students as ROV pilots and engineers. Why it matters: This partnership will enhance KAUST's marine research capabilities, support industrial partners, and advance the development of subsea research technologies in the region.
A global census, with KAUST participation, assessed reef shark populations using Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS). The study found reef shark populations thrive where there are marine conservation policies and fishing regulations. However, they are scarce in areas with overfishing and poor resource protections, with sharks absent on nearly 20% of surveyed reefs. Why it matters: The research highlights the importance of conservation management for reef sharks, key apex predators and indicators of reef health, especially in the Red Sea region.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has completed production and testing of the Nukhada Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). Nukhada is designed for autonomous surveying, inspection, and support of underwater operations. The paper describes the USV's features and trials during development. Why it matters: This development demonstrates the UAE's growing capabilities in autonomous robotics for maritime applications.
Researchers present RUR53, an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) capable of autonomous navigation, object recognition, and tool manipulation. The UGV uses a modular software architecture, enabling it to perform complex tasks like detecting panels, docking, and manipulating tools such as wrenches and valve stems. RUR53 was tested at the 2017 Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge where it ranked third in the Grand Challenge as part of a collaboration. Why it matters: This research demonstrates advanced robotics capabilities applicable to various industrial and inspection tasks, highlighting the UAE's focus on robotics innovation.
KAUST's VP for Research, Donal Bradley, discovered a new species of sea bream near Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, named *Acanthopagrus oconnorae* or Bev Bradley’s Bream. Bradley noticed unique features like a shallow forehead and black gill patch and collaborated with the Red Sea Research Center for genetic analysis. The discovery involved multiple researchers and even the KAUST Fishing Club to collect more specimens. Why it matters: This highlights the biodiversity research happening in the Red Sea and KAUST's role in advancing marine science in the region.
Artists from Switzerland collaborated with researchers at KAUST's Red Sea Research Center to photograph autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS). ARMS are artificial towers that capture small critters colonizing coral reefs, developed to measure marine biodiversity. KAUST has deployed and retrieved over 180 ARMS units since 2013 to study cryptobenthic biodiversity, which represents up to 70% of a reef's biodiversity. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the innovative approaches being used to study marine ecosystems in the Red Sea and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in advancing scientific understanding.
KAUST researchers from the Red Sea Research Center are studying mesophotic reefs (40-150m deep) as potential climate refuges for corals threatened by marine heatwaves. These deeper reefs experience less heat and light stress compared to shallow-water corals. Advanced tools like submarines and robots are now enabling the study of these previously neglected ecosystems. Why it matters: Understanding the resilience of Red Sea corals could provide crucial insights for global coral reef conservation strategies amid climate change.