KAUST is hosting the Marine Megafauna Movement Workshop (October 19-20) featuring international speakers showcasing research on marine animal behavior using sensors and analytics. Enrichment in the Fall 2015 (October 16-24) at KAUST will focus on marine animal movement with lectures, trips, movies, and music. KAUST aims to merge research on marine animal movement with the study of human mobility to gain new insights. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary approach could advance understanding of both marine ecosystems and human behavior, while promoting marine conservation efforts in the Red Sea.
KAUST hosted the International Conference on the Marine Environment of the Red Sea (ICMERS) from November 14-16. The conference brought together oceanography experts from KAUST and other international universities. Discussions focused on the state of Red Sea research, aiming to share knowledge, encourage new thinking, and develop a regional research map. Why it matters: The conference fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance marine research and conservation efforts in the Red Sea region.
A KAUST-led meta-study published in Science examines the increasing ocean noise pollution from human activities like shipping and seismic blasting. The study synthesizes findings from 10,000 papers, revealing that anthropogenic noise interferes with marine animals' communication and ecological processes. The research highlights the need for policymakers to address this issue for ocean health and sustainable economies. Why it matters: Understanding and mitigating ocean noise pollution is crucial for preserving marine ecosystems and the biodiversity of the Red Sea.
KAUST is investing in a state-of-the-art 50-meter oceanographic research vessel (RV) to replace the existing Thuwal RV, selecting Glosten for the design. The new RV will feature a reconfigurable deck, advanced positioning system, and weather-hardy traits tailored for the Red Sea's unique conditions. This upgrade aims to enhance KAUST's marine research capabilities, enabling studies in shallow reef and deep-water environments up to 3000 meters. Why it matters: The advanced vessel positions KAUST to lead Red Sea research, supporting Saudi Arabia's environmental and economic initiatives like NEOM and the Red Sea giga-projects.
The Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) Core Lab at KAUST has received two safety awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). They received a Gold Award for overall health and safety and a Bronze Award for fleet management safety. The CMR Core Lab operates a fleet of research and support vessels, including Saudi Arabia’s first fully equipped research vessel, the RV Thuwal. Why it matters: These awards highlight KAUST's commitment to safety and excellence in marine science research and operations within the region.
Cindy Lee Van Dover, a professor at Duke University, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program in 2017 about the blue economy. The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's interest in marine science and sustainable development related to ocean resources.
KAUST researchers developed a hybrid wireless communication system for non-invasive monitoring of marine animals, consisting of a lightweight, flexible, Bluetooth-enabled tag that stores sensor data underwater. The tag syncs data to floating receivers when the animal surfaces, which then relays the data via GSM or drones. The system is a collaboration between the Red Sea Research Center and KAUST's electrical engineering department. Why it matters: This technology provides researchers with detailed, near real-time data about marine animals, overcoming the limitations of invasive and impractical traditional tagging methods.
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.