Riyadh: The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), launched a pioneering national program to protect the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf from non-native and invasive species, reinforcing the Kingdom's efforts to conserve marine biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this program is the first coordinated national effort to create a comprehensive database on non-native and invasive marine species in the Kingdom. It utilizes advanced research methods, including field surveys, DNA barcoding, and maritime traffic analysis, to develop an accurate scientific basis for species distribution and dispersal pathways.
Preliminary results have revealed the detection of hundreds of potential non-native marine species: 181 in the Red Sea and 168 in the Arabian Gulf. These species are most concentrated in areas close to ports and coastal infrastructure, guiding targeted monitoring and environmental planning.
The program has also established the region's first genetic fingerprint library for potential non-native marine species, an essential tool 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 relevant authorities.
NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban stated that this program reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to promoting scientific research and its applications in marine environment protection, within the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.