In November 2021, a team of researchers from KAUST, in collaboration with the US-based Beneath the Waves organization, spent a week on a boat off the coast of Great Exuma in the Bahamas. While the team is more at home in the Red Sea, this trip had an important goal: to characterize in detail the seagrass ecosystem of the Bahamas Banks for the first time. The data collected forms part of a wider project aiming to gain UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the region.

Carlos M. Duarte appointed to the Science Task Force of the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration

This week, Carlos Duarte was ranked #4 in the list of Top Ecology and Evolution scientists in the World, and the top marine scientist in that rank.

“Applications of new advances in genomics to assess biodiversity and responses of coral reefs to changing temperatures will go a long way into informing conservation strategies in the Red Sea and elsewhere,” said Dr. Larissa Frühe, co-lead of the project at KAUST.

The expansion of seaweed farming for aquaculture will not only help meet sustainability targets, but also in terms of harnessing its blue carbon capabilities.

Weekend filming for an upcoming documentary!

Our planet is currently facing a coral reef crisis, with the threat of global warming looming. However, a team of KAUST researcher scientists including Sebastian Schmidt-Roach and Dr. Shannon Klein, are exploring an immense source of hope in the form of mesophotic reefs.

On the 4th March, Carlos Duarte presented at the World Ocean Forum.

Why we have been a bit MIA...

To follow along with updates from official channels by OceanX over the coming months, search 'OceanX' on Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. All images on this article were from Twitter, shared with permission from Dr Mohammed Qurban, National Centre of Wildlife.

Extreme E Season 2 returns to NEOM

Cell processes and research reproducibility may be significantly impacted by changes in batch cultures as cells grow. More monitoring and improved procedures are needed. From an article taken from KAUST Discovery about TAJRC Research Scientist Dr Shannon Klein and colleagues.

Once considered the ugly duckling of environmental conservation, seagrass is emerging as a powerful tool for climate action. From drawing down carbon to filtering plastic pollution, marine scientist Carlos M. Duarte details the incredible things this oceanic hero does for our planet -- and shows ingenious ways he and his team are protecting and rebuilding marine life.

A memorable experience with a menu inviting us to eat the Red Sea by 3* Chef Angel Leon; the first time ever that mangroves have been eaten by humans!

We have now started an instagram account for Prof. Duarte! Search @carlosduartephd to follow along.

"This ground-breaking review made our list because it calls for a widespread and permanent change in how routine cell culture is done: with careful attention to environmental controls for better scientific reproducibility. Please read and absorb every word of this landmark paper. We couldn’t agree more." - BioSpherix, 2021

From the 3rd - 9th December, a group of physicists learnt about complex modelling for applications for coral reef ecosystems - and even joined the lab on a snorkel trip!

EXPEDITION ALERT! A collaboration between BTWaves and TAJRC to visit Exuma Sounds, Bahamas, for some seagrass, sediment and shark science!

On the 30th November, TAJRC PhD students presented their research as part of 'Environment' day in KAUST's Research Open Week 2021.

On the 25th and 26th of November, a few members of the TAJRC lab were filmed by National Geographic concerning their mangrove research.

Carlos Duarte is recognized as a 'Web of Science' Highly Cited Researcher 2021, in two categories: Environment and Ecology, and Plant and Animals Science.