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In a workshop organized by the National Center for Wildlife, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced the discovery of the "Blue Holes" in the Red Sea
His Excellency, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Wildlife, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, announced one of the most significant discoveries of the sea expedition, which is the “Blue Holes.” This announcement was made during a workshop held by the National Center for Wildlife titled “Blue Holes in Saudi Arabia,” with the participation of various specialized scientific institutions and local and international experts.
The National Center for Wildlife had previously launched the sea expedition in the past year to explore the Red Sea and conduct the first comprehensive survey of Saudi marine environments. The expedition spanned 19 weeks from the Afeefi area in the south to the Gulf of Aqaba in the north, collecting data and conducting studies on the Red Sea’s ecological environments and its biodiversity.
The “Blue Holes” are one of the significant discoveries, with more than 20 blue holes found along the southern coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. These are unique ecological systems and geological formations that preserve their mysteries and reveal their rich biodiversity, including marine turtles, fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates.
The CEO of the National Center for Wildlife emphasized that this workshop sheds light on the “Blue Holes,” which are among the wonders of the sea that have retained their mysteries and hidden secrets. In 2022, over 20 blue holes were discovered along the southern Saudi coast of the Red Sea. Ongoing research and studies are being conducted in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to explore the biological diversity, risks, and threats to these important marine environments in Saudi waters of the Red Sea. The protection and study of these environments align with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to increase the percentage of protected areas to 30% of the Kingdom’s land area by 2030. Furthermore, this discovery will contribute to the economic diversification of the region and support local economies, turning these unique ecosystems into a significant tourist destination. The research has provided invaluable experience to many Saudi researchers and contributed to their expertise in the field, as well as fostering international collaboration with world-renowned experts and best scientific practices.