Saudi Arabia launches initiative to combat invasive species and protect blue economy

Saudi Arabia is intensifying its efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems and the nation’s growing blue economy – a sector projected to contribute around SAR 22 billion and create 100,000 jobs by 2030.

A major threat to realising this vision comes from invasive marine species that hitchhike via global shipping routes or aquaculture transfers, often causing tens of billions of dollars in economic damage worldwide each year. These unwanted foreign species can upset fragile marine ecosystems, outcompete native wildlife, and even disrupt industries like fisheries and tourism. Recognising the stakes, the Kingdom has launched a scientific initiative to address this biosecurity challenge head-on, in line with its environmental stewardship goals under Vision 2030.

Invasive species – a rising threat to Saudi waters

Invasive marine species are not just a theoretical risk—they’re already present in Saudi waters. Recent surveys identified over 70 non-native species, several recognised as invasive pests elsewhere. These include:

  • Tilapia, often escaping from aquaculture operations, which can dominate local habitats and compete aggressively with native fish.
  • Invasive algae, including fast-spreading types, capable of overgrowing reefs and smothering corals, altering marine plant communities.
  • Predatory invertebrates and fish, such as rabbitfish or others with rapid reproduction cycles, that can overconsume local biodiversity.

Left unchecked, these species can drastically alter food webs, suffocate coral reefs, and even damage coastal infrastructure. The economic and environmental stakes are high—urgent, science-based action is needed.

KAUST–NCW partnership for marine protection

To tackle this challenge, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has joined forces with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) in a pioneering research partnership. Launched from KAUST’s Red Sea research hub in Jeddah, the initiative aims to monitor invasive species and analyse their risks, building a comprehensive knowledge database to inform policy-makers. At the heart of the project is the creation of scientific tools – from risk assessment models to early warning systems – that will enable Saudi authorities to anticipate and respond to emerging bio-invasions before they spread widely. By integrating world-class science with national conservation priorities, the collaboration seeks to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s marine environment while securing the economic benefits tied to it.

Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of NCW, underlined the urgency of this mission. Protecting marine ecosystems is vital for growing sectors such as coastal tourism and aquaculture. As Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy, industries from seafood farming to beach tourism all depend on healthy seas. He explained that by partnering with KAUST’s experts, the Kingdom will gain cutting-edge tools, risk models and early warning systems for marine biosecurity. This science-driven approach gives Saudi decision-makers the data and foresight needed to act decisively against invasive threats. By investing in prevention and rapid response now, the Kingdom aims to secure the long-term health of its waters and the prosperity they sustain.

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Surveying and cataloguing marine biodiversity

Saudi Arabia’s strategy begins with knowing exactly what’s in its waters. Teams of marine scientists from KAUST and NCW have been conducting extensive field surveys along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts to document native and non-native species. Over the past year, they sampled 34 coastal and offshore sites and collected more than 10,000 marine specimens ranging from plankton and algae to fish and corals. Every organism is catalogued and genetically analysed, contributing to a growing database of the Kingdom’s marine life. By establishing this comprehensive baseline, researchers can more easily spot unusual new arrivals or changes in species abundance that might signal an invasion.

The survey findings already raised red flags. Approximately 200 species with potentially invasive traits were identified through the field sampling efforts. Within this list are the 70+ non-native species currently in Saudi waters, which researchers are watching closely. In many cases these are species that likely entered via ship ballast water or were imported for aquaculture and later escaped into the wild. Each suspect species is being assessed for its invasive potential: how fast might it reproduce, could it outcompete native organisms, and does it carry diseases or parasites? This information feeds into risk models that prioritise which invaders pose the gravest threats to Saudi ecosystems and industries. Armed with data, the authorities can then formulate management plans, such as targeted removal efforts or restrictions on certain high-risk imports.

The collected samples span the full spectrum of marine life, from microscopic plankton to large fish. This breadth is important because invasive organisms come in all sizes. A tiny mussel or algal spore can be just as destructive as a predatory fish introduced to a reef. The knowledge base being built through these surveys is already informing the design of early detection and monitoring systems for the Kingdom. With a reference library of native species DNA and imagery, scientists can more quickly recognise when something out of the ordinary appears in water samples or is reported by local fishermen. Establishing robust early detection and rapid response capabilities is the most effective way to protect the Kingdom’s marine ecosystems from the spread of invasive species. Catching an invasive species incursion early – and reacting swiftly – can prevent a minor problem from becoming a nationwide crisis.

Advanced tools and training for early detection

Successfully managing invasive species requires not just fieldwork, but also cutting-edge technology and skilled personnel. A key component of the KAUST–NCW initiative is the transfer of knowledge and tools to build national expertise in marine biosecurity. In May, a group of NCW employees participated in a specialised, week-long workshop hosted at KAUST to enhance Saudi Arabia’s capacity in this field. During the training, the participants learned standardised risk assessment protocols for evaluating invasive species threats to the environment, public health, and industries like fisheries. They practised how to systematically rate a species’ invasion risk so that Saudi authorities can prioritise interventions.

The workshop also featured hands-on training in advanced detection technologies, notably environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. eDNA analysis is an innovative tool that can detect organisms by the genetic traces they leave in water – such as scales, mucus, or waste – even when the creatures themselves are hard to spot. By filtering seawater samples and sequencing any DNA found, scientists can identify the presence of invasive species early, sometimes before traditional methods would catch them. This allows for much quicker confirmation of an invader’s arrival and empowers authorities to respond while the population is still small.

The KAUST workshop trained NCW staff in using these modern surveillance techniques alongside globally recognised biosecurity tools for risk analysis. By building domestic expertise in state-of-the-art methods, Saudi Arabia is establishing an early warning system that can continually scan for invasive newcomers.

Toward a sustainable blue economy future

This collaborative programme between a leading research institution and a national agency is being heralded as a model for how countries can confront environmental challenges. By combining KAUST’s scientific research capacity with NCW’s conservation mandate, Saudi Arabia is creating a growing model of national partnerships that leverage home-grown talent and knowledge for environmental protection. The data gathered and the skills developed through this initiative will lay the foundation for more effective, sustainable management of marine resources across the Kingdom.

In practical terms, the government will be better equipped to enact policies – such as hull cleaning regulations, ballast water treatment requirements, or aquaculture import controls – that proactively reduce the introduction of invasive species. And if an invasive organism is detected, authorities can rely on the new risk models and trained personnel to mount a rapid, targeted response before it spreads.

Protecting marine biodiversity has direct economic and social benefits. Healthy coral reefs, seagrass beds, and fisheries mean resilient coastal livelihoods – from fishermen earning steady incomes to tourists enjoying Saudi’s natural marine beauty. By acting decisively now against the threat of invasive species, Saudi Arabia is securing the long-term viability of industries like coastal tourism, aquaculture, and maritime transport that depend on clean and balanced ocean environments. The initiative also aligns with the broader Vision 2030 objective of environmental sustainability, ensuring that development of the blue economy does not come at the cost of ecological health.

Looking ahead, the knowledge database produced by this project will continue to grow and serve as a critical reference for scientists and policymakers. Each new sample, each identified invader, and each data point on species distribution enriches the understanding of Saudi waters. This ever-improving “census” of marine life will make it possible to detect changes years down the line – whether due to climate shifts or new invasive arrivals – with much greater confidence and speed. Moreover, the success of the KAUST–NCW partnership may inspire similar collaborations in other environmental sectors, demonstrating the value of bridging academic research with government action. By proactively defending its marine ecosystems, Saudi Arabia is not only protecting its natural heritage but also bolstering the foundation of a thriving and sustainable blue economy for generations to come.

Photos courtesy of SPA

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