![]() Larger species such as Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii and, especially, Thalassodendron ciliatum, contribute to substrate stabilisation and sediment accumulation, and hence to enhanced carbon sequestration. ![]() Overall, ten of the 12 seagrass species found in the Red Sea basin have been encountered in The Red Sea area and seven in AMAALA. In terms of seagrass, the surveys team conducted seagrass rapid assessment surveys at 250 locations across The Red Sea and AMAALA. As a rare visitor to the Red Sea, fewer than ten previous reports were recorded in the area. A pair of orcas was also observed which is exciting news. In terms of endangered species sightings, 17 sooty falcon breeding pairs were observed at AMAALA and 48 breeding pairs in The Red Sea and multiple critically endangered Halavi guitarfish juveniles were sighted indicating an important nursery habitat for the species. The extensive survey further analysed nesting grounds and the breeding success of bird species, the population status of reef fishes, as well as achieved improved understanding of the carbon sequestering potential of seagrasses. By setting a baseline and by understanding where their key nesting and foraging areas are, we can make interventions that not only conserve these populations, but also help them to grow. In 2022 alone, there were 74 hawksbill sea turtle and 145 green sea turtle nesting tracks recorded at Amaala and 251 hawksbill and 613 green sea turtle nesting tracks at The Red Sea. The area, which had not been studied to this level before now, was found to be a thriving habitat for the turtles. Our surveys, undertaken over last several years, have shown large populations of both species in the waters around The Red Sea and Amaala – two regenerative tourism destinations currently being developed by Red Sea Global on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Both have seen their populations fall dramatically in the last century – with hawksbill numbers declining by 80 per cent and green sea turtle numbers by 90 per cent. This includes the hawksbill sea turtle, famed for its distinctive shell pattern, as well as one of the world’s largest turtles, the green sea turtle. And, as an extensive wildlife study led by our team of experienced scientists discovered, it also supports large nesting populations of endangered sea turtle species. With its vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, the region is an important habitat for numerous marine animals. The positive impact of such projects can already be seen in the Red Sea. ![]() With climate change and other factors posing additional risks of population losses in the next decades, conservation and rehabilitation projects are essential for protecting and enhancing these extraordinary creatures. Recent reports have estimated that overall sea turtle populations have dropped by almost two thirds in the last century. ![]() The effect of habitat degradation, harvesting of adults and eggs, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear has meant these majestic marine animals have been severely depleted. From consuming out-competing species, like sea sponges, to distributing micronutrients, they are a key component of an ecosystem we rely so heavily on.īut sea turtles are under threat across the globe. Often referred to as the earth’s ancient mariners, they help to maintain the health and balance of our coral reefs and the many creatures that call them home. Sea turtles have played a vital role in our oceans for millions of years. ![]()
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