How a Saudi university’s AI solution is revolutionizing Red Sea coral conservation

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The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral, (KAUST photo)
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The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral, (KAUST photo)
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Updated 06 September 2024
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How a Saudi university’s AI solution is revolutionizing Red Sea coral conservation

  • Coral-AI uses sensors and algorithms to monitor and protect coral reefs, offering a blueprint for global conservation efforts
  • Developed by KAUST, the system monitors the ocean environment in real-time and delivers nutrients autonomously

JEDDAH: Facing the global challenge of coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures, scientists at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have pioneered an innovative AI-driven solution to monitor and protect these fragile ecosystems.

The groundbreaking technology, Coral-AI, combines real-time environmental monitoring with automated delivery of beneficial microorganisms, offering a proactive approach to preserving coral health not just in the Red Sea, but potentially across the world’s oceans.

The Red Sea, the world’s northernmost tropical sea, is a semi-enclosed body of water connected to the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Sea through the narrow Suez Canal and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.




Shutterstock map showing the Red Sea.

While widely celebrated for its stunning coral reefs and tourism appeal, the Red Sea is also gaining recognition as a vital area for the study of coral ecosystems.

Home to more than 265 species of coral, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba provide food and shelter to hundreds of vertebrate and invertebrate species, including many endemic and endangered species.




The coral reefs of the Red Sea are unique, serving as an open-air laboratory for studying coral resilience in the face of climate change. (KAUST photo)

This distinctive biodiversity underscores the growing need for conservation efforts in the region.

The coral reefs of the Red Sea are unique, serving as an open-air laboratory for studying coral resilience in the face of climate change. Due to rising ocean temperatures, coral reefs around the world have experienced significant bleaching in recent years.

That is why scientists at KAUST have developed Coral-AI, which combines automated beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs) delivery with on-site coral bleach detection.

This innovative system marks a significant advancement in coral reef health management, offering a comprehensive solution through the integration of image processing, AI, and advanced sensor technologies.

Coral-AI’s system introduces a novel approach by autonomously delivering BMCs to coral reefs, streamlining the process and reducing manual labor and costs. The device delivers probiotics to coral reefs and can identify when a coral is dying and deploy medicine.

Coral-AI is “equipped with sensors that monitor environmental conditions directly at the coral site, allowing for real-time adjustments in BMC dispensation,” Khaled Nabil Salama, project supervisor and professor of electrical and computer engineering at KAUST, told Arab News.




KAUST scientists testing the Coral-AI in the Red Sea. (KAUST photo)

“This dual capability of monitoring and proactive intervention makes the system particularly innovative, as it not only assesses but also responds to signs of coral stress, such as elevated temperatures that can lead to bleaching.”

Using an ESP32 microcontroller for optimal performance in the underwater environment, Coral-AI employs algorithms to precisely control the BMC dispensation based on sensor inputs. 

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral and serves as a natural laboratory for the study of climate resilience.

• KAUST developed Coral-AI to automate the delivery of beneficial microorganisms to coral reefs and detect bleaching in real-time.

• Initially tested in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, Coral-AI’s success indicates its potential for adoption in other regions.

• While Coral-AI automates many processes, human expertise remains essential for setting up, calibrating and analyzing data.

“Algorithms play a key role in the system’s functionality by precisely controlling the pumps based on sensor inputs,” Salama said.

“These algorithms allow for the adjustment of BMC dispensation in response to detected environmental changes, ensuring that the corals receive optimal treatment based on current conditions.”

Integrated sensors continuously monitor critical factors such as temperature that impact coral health. By detecting variations, the system can adapt the BMC dispensation to address specific requirements, whether for preventive care or active treatment of bleaching events.

“This proactive approach to environmental monitoring enhances the system’s ability to safeguard coral reefs,” Salama said.




KAUST scientist testing the Coral-AI in the Red Sea. (KAUST photo)

Coral-AI’s system analyzes sensor data to evaluate coral health status and BMC treatment efficacy. By comparing real-time data against established thresholds indicative of coral stress, the system can optimize BMC dispensation to mitigate adverse conditions efficiently.

This data-driven approach provides valuable insights for informed decision-making in coral health management.

The system addresses challenges such as biofouling and variable underwater conditions by incorporating features such as extra pumps and hydraulic dampers to ensure consistent BMC delivery.

Rigorous calibration and testing under controlled conditions enhance the system’s accuracy and reliability, critical for maintaining coral health effectively.

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Humans are not entirely redundant in the process, however.

“While the system automates many processes, human experts are essential for setting up the system, calibrating sensors, analyzing long-term data trends, and making strategic decisions about coral health management,” Salama said.

“Their expertise ensures that the automated system functions as intended and that the interventions are scientifically sound.”

Although Coral-AI has so far only been tested in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, its success paves the way for potential adoption in other regions facing similar threats to coral reefs.




AI plays a bihg role in protecting the coral reefs of the Red Sea by making monitoring work easier. (KAUST photo)

“The system’s scalability and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for global conservation initiatives, potentially revolutionizing coral reef management practices worldwide,” Salama said.

Protecting the coral reefs of the Red Sea is crucial for advancing scientific understanding of coral resistance to climate change, which will be invaluable in developing conservation strategies.

This effort could also support the preservation and restoration of these remarkable ecosystems and their associated marine life in the region.
 

 


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.