Saudi Arabia Maps Red Sea Depths for Sustainable Marine Economy

Saudi Arabia is systematically mapping the depths of the Red Sea to support a sustainable marine economy, with official data released through the Saudi Press Agency detailing a series of scientific expeditions, conservation programs, and technological innovations that are transforming the Kingdom’s approach to ocean management. The Red Sea, spanning approximately 186,000 square kilometers and home to thousands of islands, represents a vital strategic asset for the Kingdom. Under Saudi Vision 2030, the nation is developing an integrated marine knowledge system that links high-level research with spatial planning and the blue economy, shifting from descriptive observation to targeted management and protection of ecosystems.

Recent investments have accelerated marine exploration, yielding high-resolution bathymetric data, new species discoveries, and the expansion of protected areas. These efforts are led by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), and other partners. The data collected is already informing national policies, conservation strategies, and economic diversification plans, positioning the Red Sea as a global laboratory for marine science and climate resilience. How is Saudi Arabia turning the depths of the Red Sea into a blueprint for sustainable prosperity?

Context and Background

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important marine environments, containing approximately 6.2% of global coral reefs and more than 310 coral varieties, including 270 hard species. Its unique biodiversity and pronounced tolerance to elevated sea temperatures make it a globally significant model for climate resilience research. For Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is not only an ecological treasure but also a cornerstone of economic diversification under Vision 2030, supporting tourism, aquaculture, fisheries, and pharmaceuticals. The Kingdom has therefore launched an ambitious program to map and understand its marine resources in unprecedented detail.

At the heart of this effort is the Decade Expedition, a collaborative study by NCW, KAUST, and OceanX that published high-resolution bathymetric data in the journal Earth System Science Data. Drawing on data from the 2022 expedition, the research mapped 860 kilometers of the Saudi coastline at depths ranging from two meters to over 2,460 meters, bridging critical mapping gaps and guiding marine resource management. This initiative marked a shift from exploratory surveys to the creation of national databases that can inform policy and investment decisions. What does it take to map an entire sea, and why does it matter for the future of the planet?

Key Details

The scale of the mapping effort is remarkable. The Decade Expedition mapped 62,758 square kilometers of the seabed, collected over 2,800 biological and genetic samples, completed 44 deep-sea crewed dives, conducted 133 autonomous vehicle missions, and documented four previously unknown coral species across 19 weeks of fieldwork. NCW has monitored biodiversity across 64 coastal sites and deployed advanced sensors at 37 locations to track sea surface temperatures, providing baseline data for national environmental policies. Complementary research led by KAUST’s Michael Berumen underscored the presence of undescribed endemic marine life, establishing scientific foundations for marine protected area networks. In 2026, KAUST demonstrated the effectiveness of environmental DNA (eDNA) for tracking species distribution in the northern Red Sea with minimal ecological disturbance.

Conservation milestones are equally impressive. NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban announced the identification of over 20 “blue holes” along the southern Red Sea coast—rare geological formations housing complex habitats of corals, sponges, turtles, and fish. Following targeted surveys of sites measuring 47 to 51.5 meters deep, the Cabinet formally declared the Blue Holes a national marine reserve in 2025. Meanwhile, SHAMS is implementing a five-year program targeting 1,000 coastal sites, with 344 completed by late October 2026. SHAMS has documented 251 coral species—including 25 endemic and 54 threatened—alongside 358 reef fish varieties, while conducting 321 coral bleaching surveys, assessing 72 sites for environmental carrying capacity, and recording 46 giant colonies exceeding five meters in diameter. Its nursery supports 380 colonies across 13 genera, with 192 ready for reef restoration. In sea turtle conservation, SHAMS verified 638 nesting sites in 2025 across 23 key ecological zones that represent 70% of nesting activity in Saudi waters. To support rehabilitation, SHAMS launched the Middle East’s first specialized sea turtle care facility in 2024. How do these discoveries change our understanding of marine life in the Red Sea?

International and Regional Impact

Saudi Arabia’s marine research is attracting global attention and fostering international collaboration. SHAMS partners with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), contributes to global reef assessments, and coordinates with NEOM, King Abdulaziz University, and KAUST. The presence of critically endangered species, such as the leatherback sea turtle recorded within the Blue Holes reserve, underscores the global conservation significance of these efforts. The data generated by Saudi expeditions are being shared with the international scientific community, enhancing collective knowledge about coral resilience and climate change impacts.

Regional cooperation is also expanding. The Red Sea’s coral reefs are a shared resource, and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in marine mapping and conservation sets a benchmark for neighboring countries. By hosting the Middle East’s first sea turtle care facility and pioneering eDNA monitoring, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a hub for marine innovation. These initiatives align with the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy, which aims to expand protected marine zones from 3% to 30% by 2030. Dr. Qurban noted that empirical datasets from marine surveys directly inform spatial planning by delineating sensitive habitats, conservation boundaries, and prime zones for tourism and commercial ventures. How can international partnerships amplify the impact of Saudi Arabia’s marine research?

Economic and Strategic Significance

Marine data is a key pillar for economic diversification under Vision 2030, enhancing sectors such as aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal development, and pharmaceuticals. The blue economy represents a significant opportunity for Saudi Arabia to create jobs, attract investment, and reduce dependence on oil. Collaborative programs between NCW and KAUST include initiatives to propagate and reintroduce endangered freshwater fish, track the mass migration of the endemic Asir Garra, and monitor recurring sightings of Bryde’s whales in the Farasan Islands Protected Area. These efforts not only protect biodiversity but also support the sustainable use of marine resources.

Technological adoption is accelerating through platforms like ReefNetAI, which deploys artificial intelligence to analyze coral imagery and automate species identification, alongside marine robotics, remote sensing, and autonomous submersibles. Public-facing conservation efforts are highlighted by Red Sea Global’s “Corallium” marine life institute at the AMAALA Destination in Tabuk, designed to advance research while engaging the public in marine stewardship. Immediate operational priorities focus on finalizing the national coral baseline, broadening long-term pressure monitoring, mapping optimal restoration zones, and updating nesting protection frameworks—anchoring the Red Sea as an international hub for marine innovation and blue economy growth. What economic opportunities will emerge from a deeper understanding of the Red Sea?

Vision 2030 Alignment

The mapping of the Red Sea’s depths is a direct contributor to Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, protect the environment, and enhance quality of life. By building a marine knowledge economy, the Kingdom is creating a sustainable foundation for industries such as tourism, fisheries, and biotechnology. The expansion of protected marine zones to 30% by 2030 will safeguard critical habitats while allowing for carefully managed economic activities. These efforts also support the growth of eco-tourism, with destinations like AMAALA and NEOM integrating marine conservation into their development plans.

Moreover, the scientific breakthroughs achieved through these expeditions reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in climate resilience research. The Red Sea’s heat-tolerant corals offer hope for reefs worldwide, and Saudi researchers are at the forefront of unlocking their secrets. As the Kingdom continues to invest in marine exploration, it is not only securing its own future but also contributing to global environmental sustainability. With each new map, sample, and discovery, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating that economic progress and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. How will the world benefit from Saudi Arabia’s leadership in marine science?

20 Questions

Q1. What is the size of the Red Sea area that Saudi Arabia is mapping?

A1. Saudi Arabia is mapping approximately 186,000 square kilometers of the Red Sea, which includes thousands of islands. This comprehensive effort aims to support a sustainable marine economy and protect vital ecosystems.

Q2. Which organizations are leading the marine research in Saudi Arabia?

A2. The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) are leading the efforts, in collaboration with international partners like OceanX.

Q3. What was the Decade Expedition and what did it achieve?

A3. The Decade Expedition was a collaborative study that mapped 860 kilometers of Saudi coastline, collected over 2,800 biological samples, completed 44 deep-sea dives, and documented four new coral species, providing critical data for marine management.

Q4. How does the Red Sea’s coral diversity compare globally?

A4. The Red Sea contains approximately 6.2% of global coral reefs and more than 310 coral varieties, including 270 hard species, making it the world’s fourth-largest coral reef system and a key site for climate resilience research.

Q5. What are blue holes and why are they significant?

A5. Blue holes are rare geological formations housing complex habitats for corals, sponges, turtles, and fish. Over 20 were identified along Saudi Arabia’s southern Red Sea coast, leading to their declaration as a national marine reserve in 2025.

Q6. What is SHAMS and what has it accomplished?

A6. SHAMS is the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea. It has surveyed 344 coastal sites, documented 251 coral species, and verified 638 sea turtle nesting sites, among other achievements.

Q7. How many sea turtle nesting sites were verified in 2025?

A7. SHAMS verified 638 nesting sites in 2025 across 23 key ecological zones, representing 70% of nesting activity in Saudi waters. This data helps guide conservation efforts for these endangered species.

Q8. What is the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy?

A8. It is a strategy aiming to expand protected marine zones from 3% to 30% by 2030. It uses empirical data from marine surveys to inform spatial planning and conservation boundaries.

Q9. How does marine data support Saudi Vision 2030?

A9. Marine data enhances economic diversification by supporting aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal development, and pharmaceuticals. It also aids in creating jobs and attracting investment, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Q10. What technological tools are used in Saudi marine research?

A10. Tools include ReefNetAI for coral image analysis, marine robotics, remote sensing, autonomous submersibles, and environmental DNA (eDNA) for species tracking, all of which enhance research efficiency and accuracy.

Q11. What is the significance of the Red Sea’s heat-tolerant corals?

A11. Their tolerance to elevated sea temperatures makes them a globally significant model for climate resilience research, offering insights that could help save coral reefs worldwide from bleaching and death.

Q12. How is Saudi Arabia engaging the public in marine conservation?

A12. Through initiatives like Red Sea Global’s “Corallium” marine life institute at AMAALA, which advances research while involving the public in marine stewardship and education.

Q13. What international partnerships does Saudi Arabia have in marine conservation?

A13. Saudi Arabia partners with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), OceanX, and coordinates with NEOM, King Abdulaziz University, and KAUST to advance global marine research and conservation.

Q14. What are the immediate operational priorities for Saudi marine conservation?

A14. Priorities include finalizing the national coral baseline, broadening long-term pressure monitoring, mapping optimal restoration zones, and updating nesting protection frameworks to ensure sustainable management.

Q15. How many coral species has SHAMS documented?

A15. SHAMS has documented 251 coral species, including 25 endemic and 54 threatened species, along with 358 reef fish varieties, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Red Sea.

Q16. What is the role of KAUST in Red Sea research?

A16. KAUST leads research on marine biodiversity, including the discovery of undescribed endemic species and the use of eDNA for species distribution tracking, with over 3,100 published studies from its Red Sea Research Center.

Q17. How does Saudi Arabia’s marine mapping benefit the blue economy?

A17. It identifies sensitive habitats and prime zones for tourism and commercial ventures, enabling sustainable use of marine resources while protecting ecosystems, thus supporting economic growth and diversification.

Q18. What rare species have been recorded in the Blue Holes reserve?

A18. The critically endangered leatherback sea turtle has been recorded within the Blue Holes reserve, underscoring the conservation importance of this newly protected area.

Q19. What is the goal of the five-year SHAMS program?

A19. The program targets 1,000 coastal sites for conservation assessment, with 344 completed by late October 2026, aiming to expand knowledge and protection of coral reefs and turtles.

Q20. How does Saudi Arabia’s marine research contribute to global climate resilience?

A20. By studying heat-tolerant corals and sharing data, Saudi Arabia provides critical insights for global reef conservation, helping scientists understand how to protect coral reefs from climate change impacts.

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