Riyadh, October 22, 2025, SPA — The National Wildlife Centre (NCW) has launched, in cooperation with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a pioneering national program to protect the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf against exotic and invasive marine species. This initiative strengthens the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to preserve marine biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
This programme is the first national coordinated initiative to create a comprehensive database of the Kingdom’s exotic and invasive marine species.
It is based on advanced research methods, including field surveys, DNA bar coding techniques and maritime traffic analysis, allowing the development of a precise scientific database on the distribution of species and their distribution routes.
The first results revealed the detection of hundreds of potential exotic marine species, 181 in the Red Sea and 168 in the Arabian Gulf. These species are more concentrated in areas near ports and coastal infrastructure, which allows for more precise guidance on environmental monitoring and planning efforts.
The program also contributed to the creation of the first library of genetic fingerprints for potential non-native marine species in the region, an essential tool for the rapid and accurate identification of future threats. It has also strengthened national capabilities through training and qualification, improved the effectiveness of marine biosecurity, and fought non-native and invasive marine species in accordance with international standards.
source : spa gov
