KAUST Coral Nurseries

Description

Objectives & Strategic Impact
• Environmental: Revive 100 ha reefscape, bolstering biodiversity in the Red Sea — home to 25% of known marine life
• Economic: Promote Saudi Arabia’s blue economy and ecotourism under Vision 2030
• Research & Education: Establish a global marine science hub at Shushah Island, training Saudi researchers via immersive programs

Facilities & Scale
• Ocean-Based Nurseries: In-situ nursery structures at Shushah Island supporting up to 100,000 corals annually

Land-Based Nurseries:
• Pilot Facility (2024): ~1,000 m² to propagate ~40,000 corals per year
• Primary Facility (under construction): ~16,000 m² (approx. five soccer fields), with 400+ tanks, targeting 400,000 corals annually, and expected completion by end of 2025
• Ultimate Aim: Deploy over 2 million coral fragments across a 100 ha reefscape by 2030+

Technology & Innovation
• eCoral™ Digital Twin: KAUST-developed AI and ML platform for real-time reef monitoring, scenario modeling, and ecosystem health prediction
• Advanced Propagation Techniques: Using both asexual (microfragmentation) and sexual reproduction strategies to maximize resilience and diversity
• Monitoring Tools: Facilities will incorporate drones, AUVs, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and sensors for automated surveillance