المملكة: Urgent: Results of a genetic study reveal unprecedented biodiversity in the Red Sea

The research team used environmental DNA analysis techniques extracted from water and sediment samples, in addition to high-throughput sequencing technology to trace the genetic fingerprint of living organisms in various regions of the Red Sea.

The study showed that the distribution patterns of marine communities in remote and open waters change depending on Depth, while the distribution patterns of coastal groups change depending on latitude and environmental factors.

Biodiversity

The results revealed the generation of more than 12.8 billion genetic sequences, representing the largest database of biodiversity in the Red Sea to date, and recording 1,023 families of eukaryotic organisms and 56 species from the phylum Chordata, which includes vertebrates such as fish.

In turn, the CEO of the National Center for the Development of Wildlife Dr. Muhammad Ali Korban said that this study represents a qualitative leap in the ability to monitor and protect the Red Sea.

Habitat Deterioration

He pointed out that creating an integrated genetic database allows tracking changes in the distribution of species and their diversity over time, and providing accurate scientific data to confront the effects of pollution and degradation of marine habitats, in addition to that the results of this study will contribute to identifying areas important for marine biodiversity and enhancing planning for marine reserves in the Red Sea, in line with the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve sustainable environmental development in accordance with the vision of Kingdom 2030 and the Green Saudi Initiative.

The study detected potential new species, including parasitic crustaceans and several deep marine worms, in addition to microbial communities that play an important role in nutrient cycling and methane production.

Monitoring Changes

The study integrated genetic data with environmental measurements collected during the voyage, which allowed the development of an advanced scientific tool to monitor changes in biodiversity and anticipate the effects of climate change and marine pollution.

The results of this scientific cooperation between the Center and "KAUST" An essential reference at the national and international levels, and in support of the Kingdom’s efforts to protect the natural heritage of the Red Sea and ensure its sustainability as one of the most important environmental resources in the world.