Record sightings of seabirds, large marine animals on Saudi coasts
Wildlife researchers have reported record sightings of seabirds and large marine animals along the Kingdom’s coasts this year, according to a report of the National Center for Wildlife carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The NWC report stated that researchers have documented 84,516 seabirds in total. There were 50,356 sighted along the eastern coast of the Arabian Gulf, and 34,160, representing 63 species, along the Red Sea’s western coast.
The NCW also identified 39 key sites for bird migration and breeding, five of which are officially recognized by BirdLife International as critical areas for biodiversity, the SPA reported on Sunday.
The center also recorded exceptional sightings of 1,219 large marine animals, 159 on the east coast and 1,060 on the west coast.
The findings are a part of the NCW’s field monitoring and exploration programs in the Kingdom’s marine and coastal environments.
“The results highlight Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to protecting biodiversity and preserving marine and coastal ecosystems, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its goals for sustainable development,” the NCW stated.
The NCW added that the findings reinforce the Kingdom’s biodiversity database. And strengthen efforts to ensure the sustainable management of environmental resources, support eco-tourism, and raise environmental awareness.
