KAUST and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) are collaborating on the Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) to advance Saudi Arabia's food security goals under Vision 2030. The ADP aims to increase domestic seafood production to 530,000 tons annually by 2030 through sustainable aquaculture practices. KAUST is employing a multidisciplinary team and innovative approaches like Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. Why it matters: This partnership aims to transform Saudi Arabia's aquaculture sector, reducing reliance on imports and promoting economic diversification while preserving marine biodiversity.
KAUST has launched the KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI), the world's largest coral restoration project, with a nursery on the NEOM coast capable of producing 40,000 corals annually. A secondary facility is under construction, designed to nurture 400,000 corals annually and expected to be completed by December 2025. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 to bolster marine conservation efforts. Why it matters: This project demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to environmental sustainability and leverages KAUST's research capabilities to address the critical issue of coral reef degradation, which has far-reaching implications for marine biodiversity and coastal communities.
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 alumnus Thomas DeCarlo studies coral reefs using sclerochronology and other techniques like carbonate geochemistry and Raman spectroscopy. He analyzes coral cores to understand their growth and response to ocean warming and acidification. DeCarlo emphasizes the importance of coral reefs for marine biodiversity and coastal protection. Why it matters: This research highlights KAUST's contribution to marine science and the critical need to understand and protect coral reefs in the face of climate change, especially in regions like the Red Sea.
Dr. Luiz Rocha from the California Academy of Sciences discussed the impact of climate change on coral reefs during a keynote lecture at KAUST. He highlighted the phenomenon of coral bleaching due to rising water temperatures and its devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Rocha also spoke about exploring mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), or the "twilight zone," at depths of 60-150 meters. Why it matters: Understanding the impact of climate change on coral reefs and exploring deeper marine ecosystems is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity in the face of global warming.
KAUST Professor Carlos Duarte has received the Carlo Heip Award for his contributions to marine biodiversity science. Duarte, director of KAUST's Red Sea Research Center, will receive the award in Montreal in May. Duarte is known for his work in biological oceanography and seagrass meadow ecology, contributing to blue carbon strategies. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's leadership in marine ecological research and highlights the importance of Red Sea research for global conservation efforts.
KAUST researchers have conducted the first measurements of deep-sea corals in the Red Sea. They retrieved specimens of three different species at depths of 300-750 meters and temperatures exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. This discovery challenges the existing understanding that deep-sea corals are exclusive to cold-water environments. Why it matters: The research expands known ecosystem boundaries for deep-sea corals and demonstrates their resilience in warm, nutrient-poor waters, offering new insights into marine biodiversity and adaptation.
A KAUST article highlights the threats to Saudi Arabia's coral reefs from pollution, rising ocean temperatures, and overfishing. Prof. Michael Berumen notes an imbalance with too many fish in markets and not enough on reefs, advocating for sustainable fishing. Saudi Arabia's reefs benefit from a relatively low population along the Red Sea coast and the absence of large river systems. Why it matters: Protecting these reefs is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of Saudi Arabia's coastal ecosystems.