RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has introduced a new national program to track invasive marine species in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
In collaboration with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the program aims to reinforce the country’s efforts to conserve marine biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
It is the first coordinated national effort to create a comprehensive database of non-native and invasive marine species in the Kingdom’s waters.
The program uses advanced research methods including field surveys, DNA barcoding and maritime traffic analysis to develop accurate scientific imaging of species distribution and dispersal pathways.
Preliminary results revealed hundreds of potential non-native marine species, including 181 in the Red Sea and 168 in the Arabian Gulf.
These species are most concentrated in areas close to ports and coastal infrastructure, areas that the program is targeting with monitoring and environmental planning.
The program has also established the region’s first genetic fingerprint library for potential non-native marine species, for rapid identification of future threats.
Furthermore, it has strengthened national capacities through training and improved marine biosecurity in line with international standards.
Based on these results, NCW is developing a national marine biosecurity framework to prevent and manage invasive species in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban said that this program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting scientific research and its applications in marine environment protection, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
