What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health

Special What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health
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Updated 06 December 2024
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What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health

What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health
  • Climate change has been linked to ocean warming and deoxygenation, reducing oxygen solubility and harming algae
  • KAUST researcher Taiba Alamoudi examined the role of algae in coral reef ecosystems and its contribution to nutrient cycling

RIYADH: The Red Sea’s rich marine life depends on maintaining a balanced environment to protect biodiversity and delicate habitats, with the survival of each species closely tied to the health of its surroundings.

This interdependence prompted a Saudi researcher to explore the critical role of algae in shifting ecosystems and investigate the impact of nighttime hypoxia on macroalgae and crustose algae, especially during the hot summer months.

Taiba Alamoudi, a Saudi PhD candidate in marine science at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and her colleagues examined how algae play a vital role in coral reef ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and stability.

However, climate change has been linked to ocean warming and deoxygenation, causing greater stratification and reduced oxygen solubility, which ultimately harm algal health.

Alamoudi told Arab News that the inspiration for her research, titled “Impacts of Climate Change and the Biotechnological Potential of Seaweed,” was “the phase shifts occurring in coral reef ecosystems, where algae begin to dominate areas once rich with corals.”

She said: “While it might seem that algae have an advantage over corals in warmer oceans, I believe the situation is more complicated. Algae, like corals, are also impacted by environmental stressors such as nighttime hypoxia, a drop in oxygen levels after sunset when photosynthesis ceases but respiration continues.”

Alamoudi’s research seeks to “explore what a balanced ecosystem should look like amid climate change” and deepen understanding of the vulnerabilities and strengths of both corals and algae.

This insight, she said, provides a deeper understanding of reef ecosystem dynamics and supports the development of more effective strategies to preserve their balance and health for the future.

The two main criteria for the studied species were their association with reefs and the limited research on them in the Red Sea region.

“Specifically, we placed special emphasis on crustose coralline algae due to their critical role in reef-building and maintenance,” Alamoudi said.

“These algae deposit calcium carbonate in their cell walls, effectively acting as natural cement that strengthens reef structures and provides essential substrates for coral larvae to settle and grow.”

The researchers used “gas buffering” methods to simulate natural reef oxygen dynamics and replicate nighttime hypoxia.

“By bubbling the seawater stock with the specific concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen gases, we can adjust the dissolved oxygen and pH levels in our setups to the required experimental levels.”

The study also measured metabolic respiration rates, oxygen production, photosynthetic efficiency, and metabolomic processes to assess the impact on algal health and functionality.

In addition, Alamoudi said, “we examine changes in their associated microbial communities and observe visual cues like discoloration or tissue degradation.”

The experiments’ results showed that “macroalgae and crustose algae significantly mitigate the impacts of ocean warming through substantial daytime oxygen production, often leading to oxygen supersaturation that enhances reef resilience.”

However, she said, this benefit is offset at night when photosynthesis stops.

Climate change worsens nighttime hypoxia by raising sea temperatures, which in turn lower oxygen solubility and increase metabolic rates. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, reducing its overall availability.

“Elevated temperatures increase the metabolic demands of the entire reef community, intensifying oxygen consumption and leading to nighttime hypoxia,” Alamoudi said.

“This hypoxic stress disrupts the algae’s physiological processes and associated reef microbial communities, making them more vulnerable to additional stressors.”

She added: “While they help maintain current reef conditions, prolonged nighttime hypoxia compromises their ability to support reef expansion and long-term ecosystem vitality.

“Understanding the balance between their daytime benefits and nighttime vulnerabilities is crucial for defining a truly balanced ecosystem.”

During the day, photosynthesis by algae produces oxygen that helps offset increased consumption. “However, at night, no new oxygen is produced while organisms continue to consume it at elevated rates,” said Alamoudi.

“This combination of decreased oxygen solubility, increased metabolic demand, and reduced oxygen production exacerbates nighttime hypoxia, making it a significant stressor intensified by climate change.”

During peak summer temperatures, the research team observed that hypoxia worsens.

“Warmer water reduces oxygen solubility and increases the metabolic rates of the reef community, leading to greater oxygen consumption,” Alamoudi said. “At night, without photosynthesis to produce oxygen, this intensifies hypoxia.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Without sunlight, algae stop producing oxygen through photosynthesis but still consume oxygen through respiration, leading to low oxygen levels (hypoxia).

2. Areas with heavy macroalgae or crustose algae cover are prone to oxygen depletion, especially in low-flow environments.

3. Nighttime hypoxia can harm nearby marine organisms such as fish and invertebrates that rely on oxygen-rich waters.


“Consequently, marine organisms experience increased stress during the hottest months, making them more vulnerable to hypoxic conditions compared to cooler seasons.”

Moreover, Alamoudi’s research shows how changes in the health of macroalgae and crustose algae can have cascading effects on marine organisms, particularly herbivorous species and invertebrates, potentially impacting their population.

“Coralline algae are crucial for coral larval settlement. Their decline could hinder coral recruitment and reef regeneration,” she said. “This, in turn, affects species dependent on healthy coral reefs for habitat, potentially reducing biodiversity and altering the ecosystem’s balance.”

By studying the impact of nighttime hypoxia on algae, Alamoudi aims to uncover their true role in these shifting ecosystems.

She said her research helps scientists “explore what a balanced ecosystem should look like amid climate change,” noting that “understanding the vulnerabilities and advantages of both corals and algae allows us to better comprehend the dynamics of reef ecosystems and develop more effective strategies to preserve their balance and health for the future.”

One of the biggest challenges Alamoudi and her colleagues faced in this research was the need for continuous monitoring, as even slight fluctuations can greatly impact dissolved oxygen and pH levels.

She added that “collecting samples from deeper ocean zones demanded substantial technological resources.” However, her team’s collaboration with the Saudi National Center for Wildlife enabled them to “access these depths and gather the necessary data and specimens.”

Alamoudi said she found it interesting how mesophotic coralline algae, which live in deeper, lower-light reef zones, respond differently from shallow-water species.

“Even short-term hypoxic stress at the microscale can have substantial impacts, potentially leading to significant ecological consequences that are not yet widely studied,” she said.

“This highlights the importance of examining subtle environmental stressors across different habitats, as they may reveal vulnerabilities in marine ecosystems that could affect overall reef health and resilience.”

Alamoudi is one of six winners of the 2024 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program. Currently a PhD student under the mentorship of Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor Carlos Duarte, she earned her undergraduate degree in marine biology from Oregon State University in 2018.

She gained experience in environmental consulting and aquaculture in the Kingdom before joining KAUST in 2020.

 


Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

Among those attending the event were Saudi Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid and officials from the US State Department. (Supplied)
Among those attending the event were Saudi Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid and officials from the US State Department. (Supplied)
Updated 02 April 2025
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Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

Among those attending the event were Saudi Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid and officials from the US State Department. (Supplied)
  • The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange

LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles marked Eid Al-Fitr with a festive celebration attended by Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid, officials from the US State Department, the Vice Mayor of Irvine James Mai, the former mayor of Irvine, and accredited consul generals.

The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through such initiatives, the consulate aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich heritage.

 


Arabic Language Month begins in Spain

Arabic Language Month begins in Spain
Updated 02 April 2025
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Arabic Language Month begins in Spain

Arabic Language Month begins in Spain
  • It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.

The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.

It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.

As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister

Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister
Updated 02 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister

Saudi Arabia condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by far-right Israeli minister
  • Foreign Ministry criticizes attacks on sanctity of the holy site
  • Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security, statement says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it strongly condemns “the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli national security minister under the protection of occupation police.”

The ministry reiterated its condemnation of the attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also condemned Israeli forces for targeting an UNRWA clinic in Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza, and denounced attacks on UN and relief organizations and their staff, the SPA added.

The ministry said: “The Kingdom condemns these ongoing Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and affirms its categorical rejection of anything that would undermine the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites.”

It added that Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security.

The ministry highlighted the importance of protecting UN and relief organizations, as well as their staff, and called for holding Israeli authorities accountable for all violations.

Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday prompted strong condemnation from Jordan and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Rejoining the Israeli government

The minister, leader of the Israeli anti-Arab Otzma Yehudit party, visited the site after rejoining the government last month following the resumption of the war in Gaza.

Ben Gvir had quit the cabinet in January in protest at the ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory.

Since the formation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government at the end of 2022, Ben Gvir has made several trips to the Al-Aqsa compound, each time triggering international outcry.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned Wednesday's visit as a "storming" and "an unacceptable provocation."

Hamas called it a "provocative and dangerous escalation," saying the visit was "part of the ongoing genocide against our Palestinian people."

"We call on our Palestinian people and our youth in the West Bank to escalate their confrontation... in defense of our land and our sanctities, foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque," it said in a statement.

The site is Islam's third-holiest and a symbol of Palestinian national identity.

Known to Jews as the Temple Mount, it is also Judaism's holiest place, revered as the site of the second temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Under the status quo maintained by Israel, which has occupied east Jerusalem and its Old City since 1967, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols.

Ben Gvir's spokesperson told AFP the minister "went there because the site was opened (for non-Muslims) after 13 days," during which access was reserved for Muslims for the festival of Eid Al-Fitr and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In recent years, growing numbers of Jewish ultranationalists have defied the rules, including Ben Gvir, who publicly prayed there in 2023 and 2024.

The Israeli government has said repeatedly that it intends to uphold the status quo at the compound but Palestinian fears about its future have made it a flashpoint for violence.

*Additional reporting from AFP


Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory

Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory
Updated 02 April 2025
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Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory

Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory
  • Nawal Al-Anazi’s ‘ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally’
  • Al-Anazi believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility

MAKKAH: In the world of equestrianism, where courage and endurance reign supreme, Saudi rider Nawal Al-Anazi has established herself as a rising star. 

With unwavering determination and limitless ambition, she has transformed her childhood passion into a professional pursuit, becoming a certified equestrienne with the Saudi Federation and a proud horse owner who dreams of representing her nation on the international stage. 

“I have been riding since childhood, but I decided to pursue it seriously about five years ago,” Al-Anazi explained. “What began as a hobby evolved into a lifestyle after I committed to intensive training under professional guidance.” 

The road to professionalism was not without challenges, but Al-Anazi’s passion drove her forward. Through rigorous training and acquiring her own horses, she achieved a significant milestone by competing in the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla.

“Participating in that championship fulfilled one dream, but I am setting my sights higher,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally.”

For Al-Anazi, equestrianism transcends sport; it is about forming profound connections with these animals. “Each horse has its unique personality,” she said. 

“They are not just racing vehicles but true partners who understand their riders and respond accordingly. The relationship must be built on mutual trust and respect.”

The equestrienne emphasized that Saudi society has become increasingly supportive of women in this traditionally male-dominated sport. “I have received tremendous encouragement from my family, friends, and the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate,” she said. “This is a sport for everyone with the passion to pursue it.”

To aspiring equestriennes, she offers straightforward advice. “Follow your passion, train diligently, and embrace challenges. Equestrianism builds confidence and strength of character.”

For Al-Anazi, equestrianism is a lifestyle that demands commitment and enduring passion. She said that successful horsemanship requires patience and an intuitive understanding of each animal’s distinct character.

“The essence of true horsemanship is not about domination,” she explained. “It is about cultivating a partnership founded on mutual trust and respect.”

She believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility — qualities that extend beyond the riding arena into daily life. Her ambitions are not solely personal; she hopes to inspire other Saudi women to enter the field. 

The rider said that contemporary Saudi women are empowered to fulfill their aspirations across all domains, with equestrianism now receiving substantial backing throughout the Kingdom.

“The journey toward any ambition begins with a single step forward. When you truly believe in your vision and pursue it with unwavering resolve, no obstacle can ultimately prevent your success,” she said. 

As Al-Anazi continues her journey toward international competition, she remains grounded in her philosophy: “The horse is a magnificent creature that deserves our utmost respect. If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly. With determination, you can overcome any obstacle and reach the top.”


Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students

Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students
Updated 02 April 2025
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Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students

Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students
  • Superbund Alpha Project allows students to create virtual avatars and teach others about their culture
  • Young founder aims to host a student trip to Saudi Arabia for her peers

RIYADH: At just 13 years old, Chinese student Alia Kong is spearheading an initiative that utilizes the power of technology to introduce Saudi culture to her peers in Hong Kong.

With a vision of creating an open space for international students to connect with each other, the Superbund Alpha Project allows users to create virtual avatars in the metaverse.

Students in both countries will be able to create a personalized space and promote their culture through a virtual workshop and the young visionary hopes it will help forge strong links between them.

“I (would) like to create that connection between Riyadh and Hong Kong,” Kong told Arab News. “Imagine if can create your own cultural heritage and enhance it with spatial computing, with just prompting and images.”

Additionally, as a part of the project, she has set up an immersive experience to present Saudi culture to her classmates.

Kong’s story began five years ago when, aged eight, she and 25 friends decided to start a non-profit organization called Kids Power Society. The group’s aims were to educate students about different cultures, enhance mental wellness and promote positivity.

The teenager now plans to host Superbund Event Day, to be held simultaneously in both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia virtually and in reality.

Kong highlighted the importance of embracing emerging technologies, saying Generation Alpha could envision a desired lifestyle through the metaverse.

Her admiration for Saudi Arabia stems from stories she has heard from her godfather, Alaudeen Alaskary, former consul-general of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong. He is now honorary advisor to the Superbund Virtual Exchange Program.

Kong, who has visited the Kingdom previously, said she planned to host a student trip dedicated to teaching her peers about Saudi’s cultural history.

“He (Alaskary) showed me the culture and lifestyle of Saudi Arabians. I love attending his Saturday gatherings and parties. (They are) very warm, loving and we all enjoy each other’s company,” she said.

In July 2024, the group will host a virtual event, Superbund Virtual Society, with more than 100 attendees expected from Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

“This new ecosystem with blockchain technology will let us register our digital assets with our avatar identities ... things can be created in virtual and make impact on reality,” said Kong.

“I have a concept where the older generation creates the hardware of technology, or the hardware we need in order to access the software that could be created by younger generations, and with the content and software and hardware finalized, we can come together and bridge that generation gap.”

Over the past five years, Kids Power Society has published four science fiction books, with contributions from 125 children around the world. The proceeds were donated to British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and Hong Kong’s Sowers Action.