KAUST, the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program (NLFDP), and the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidama) are collaborating to explore algae-based biostimulants for agriculture. These biostimulants, derived from marine algae, enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake without the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers. KAUST already operates a commercial-scale algae manufacturing plant capable of producing tons of algae per month for biostimulant production. Why it matters: This initiative positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable food technology by leveraging algae biostimulants to improve soil health and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.
A KAUST-led study tracked coral grouper movements in Australia's Great Barrier Reef over 20 years. Researchers genotyped thousands of coral grouper to map larval dispersal patterns from no-take zones. They found that no-take zones ensure a consistent supply of fish stocks, benefiting both conservation and fisheries. Why it matters: The study demonstrates the value of marine protected areas for biodiversity and fisheries management, providing insights for effective reserve design.
An international team including KAUST researchers tracked nearly 2,000 sharks using satellite tags to map their movement and space use. The study found that 24% of shark habitats overlap with pelagic longline fisheries, with higher overlap for commercially exploited species. For North Atlantic blue and shortfin mako sharks, the overlap was 76% and 62% respectively. Why it matters: This research highlights the vulnerability of sharks to industrial fishing and underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts in critical habitats.
A KAUST-led study published in PNAS quantifies the potential for increased food supply through coral reef restoration. Analyzing over 1,200 reef sites, the research estimates that rebuilding depleted fish populations could increase sustainable yields by nearly 50%. For Indonesia, this could translate to 162 million additional servings of reef fish annually. Why it matters: The study provides crucial evidence for governments to strengthen food security and ecosystem resilience through fisheries management, especially in regions facing high malnutrition.
KAUST researchers are developing an AI tool to classify fish species based on economic value and population growth rate, aiming to aid sustainable fisheries management in Saudi Arabia. The tool will help identify species at risk of decline, supporting marine conservation and food security goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia aims to increase self-sufficiency in seafood production amid declining Red Sea fish populations. Why it matters: This initiative could significantly improve fisheries management and conservation efforts in the Red Sea, informing policy decisions and supporting sustainable food production in line with national objectives.
KAUST's Bluefin, a fish wearable technology developed by Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, won the CES Innovation Award. The device measures water temperature, pressure, depth, and pH levels, functioning for a year at a depth of 2km while weighing only 2.4 grams. Bluefin will be available to scuba divers, naval forces, and fisheries for marine life tagging. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contributions to marine research technology and positions the university as a global leader in applying advanced engineering to ecological monitoring.
KAUST alumna Yuan Yan received an honorable mention from the American Statistical Association (ASA) for her paper on "Vector Autoregressive Models with Spatially Structured Coefficients for Time Series on a Spatial Grid." Yan, who graduated from KAUST in 2018, was part of Professor Marc Genton's Spatio-Temporal Statistics & Data Science group. She is now a postdoctoral fellow at Dalhousie University, researching fisheries science using spatial statistical models. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the quality of research and education at KAUST, especially in the field of spatio-temporal statistics, and its impact on addressing real-world sustainability challenges.