Blue Holes (Saudi Arabia)

The Blue holes of Saudi Arabia are a series of twenty marine caverns along the coast of the Red Sea, between the Afifi region in the south and the Gulf of Aqaba in the north of the sea. Saudi Arabia announced the discovery of the blue holes in 2022.[1]

Discovery

Saudi Arabia announced the "Journey of the Decade" in 2022, led by Dr. Carlos Durati, to explore the Red Sea and conduct a comprehensive water survey over nearly 4 months. The blue holes were discovered during the ensuing survey.[2][3]

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology will conduct studies and research dealing with biodiversity and threats to the important blue holes.

Blue hole protection

Protecting and studying these blue holes is in line with the goals of Saudi Arabia's green initiatives, represented by the initiative to raise the percentage of protected areas to reach 30% of the Kingdom's area by 2030, in addition to rehabilitating those affected by them. Saudi Arabia also announced that blue holes represent 9% of the marine areas targeted for protection. It is also considered a distinctive tourist destination and provides opportunities for studies and research into marine biodiversity.

References
  1. Nihal, Mariam (2023-09-05). "Blue holes off Saudi Arabia to top 'every scuba diver's bucket list'". The National. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
  2. "'Blue holes' phenomenon: Saudi Arabia's discovery only start of marine exploration". Al Arabiya English. 2023-08-30. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
  3. "السعودية.. الإعلان عن اكتشاف "الثقوب الزرقاء" في البحر الأحمر". CNN Arabic (in Arabic). 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
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