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

1 / 2
The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral, (KAUST photo)
2 / 2
The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral, (KAUST photo)
Short Url
Updated 06 September 2024
Follow

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.

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

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.
 

 


Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

  • About 100 local, international bodies participating

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s environment minister has opened an exhibition in Riyadh which showcases a range of date products and their history.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, officially opened the International Dates Conference and Exhibition 2024, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates. It runs until Nov. 28 with about 100 local and international entities participating.

It is a “global platform to showcase Saudi dates, drive innovation in their processing industries, and enhance their global export potential,” according to organizers.

The exhibition aims to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi products, contributing to the development of the palm and dates sector as a key pillar in driving economic growth.

Visitors can taste date varieties from the different regions of the Kingdom, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qassim, AlUla, and Al-Jouf.

The exhibition also includes a variety of entertainment activities such as folklore shows, regional poetry, and cooking competitions.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, a carbonated sugar-sweetened date drink was launched by Al-Madinah Heritage Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.

The exhibition also features a museum which takes visitors on a journey through time to explore the history of palm trees and dates over 1,000 years.

The museum showcases manuscripts and agricultural tools that highlight the significance of dates in daily life and literary culture.

It also houses archaeological collections showing the different uses of palm trees through the ages, including as tools.

In addition, there is a live cooking area that brings together local and international chefs to present a range of date-based dishes.

Al-Fadli, along with several officials and foreign delegations, toured the exhibition’s pavilions and explored a range of date-based products, such as juices, baked goods, and date chocolate.


Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)
Updated 19 min 43 sec ago
Follow

Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

  • Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals

RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.

Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”

Mozzarella demonstration at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.

The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.

The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.

Red Sea grouper at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”

Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.

Rosewater-glazed lamb at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”

The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.

 

 


Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

Updated 9 min 30 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

  • The Saudi Artisanal Co. will display diverse collections of handicrafts reflecting national heritage

RIYADH: The Saudi Artisanal Co. is showcasing a variety of handicrafts that reflect authentic Saudi heritage in an effort to support artisans during the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition, or Banan, taking place in Riyadh from Nov. 23 to 29.

The exhibition, organized by the Heritage Commission and in its second edition, brings together more than 500 local and international artisans from over 20 countries.

It offers a distinctive cultural experience through interactive events that promote handicrafts and cultural heritage, focusing on supporting artisans locally and internationally.

The Saudi Artisanal Co. will display diverse collections of handicrafts reflecting national heritage with the aim of fostering innovation and expanding the reach of Saudi artisanry in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

 


Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe sign an MoU to enhance co
Updated 22 November 2024
Follow

Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

  • Ministers sign MoU to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries

 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe on Friday, Nov. 22. The two discussed various ways to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Badr met with Abe as part of his official visit to Japan to attend the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” show in Tokyo, which took place on Thursday.

The Saudi minister noted that the Kingdom’s upcoming participation at Expo 2025 in Osaka highlights the strong relations between the two countries, and wished Japan success in hosting the event.

In their meeting, the ministers addressed the importance of “strengthening cultural relations between the Kingdom and Japan,” the SPA reported, and of “enhancing existing cooperation between the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and the Japanese to train Saudi students in the art of creating manga comics.”

Prince Badr and his Japanese counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at “enhancing cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries through the exchange of knowledge in systems and regulations related to cultural affairs, in the field of animation, and projects related to preserving heritage of all kinds, in addition to digital preservation technologies for heritage, and developing artistic residency programs between the two countries.”

The MoU is part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to enhance international cultural exchange, one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.


26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

Updated 22 November 2024
Follow

26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

  • The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species
  • NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has successfully reintroduced 26 endangered animals to their natural habitat in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Souda region.
Thursday’s ceremony was attended by Souda Development Company CEO Saleh Al-Arini and National Center for Wildlife Development General Supervisor of Planning and Empowerment Abdulmohsen Al-Shanif.
The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species while enhancing biodiversity and ensuring ecosystems thrive throughout the Kingdom. The project also aims to boost the region’s tourism appeal while supporting environmental sustainability.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected following comprehensive biodiversity studies to assess both current conditions and potential future impacts.
“This project not only enhances our ecosystems but also strengthens ecotourism opportunities and creates new economic channels for the Kingdom,” he said, adding NCW’s breeding centers ranked among the world’s leading facilities for endangered species propagation. The centers maintain the highest international standards while conducting vital research on species’ living conditions.
The organization employs cutting-edge technology to monitor wildlife populations, collect data and assess potential risks to biodiversity in protected areas.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.