159
The main issues are related to the status of coral reefs. The Red Sea is home to many unique species of corals, fish and molluscs, of which about 14% are found nowhere else. However, this wealth of biodiversity remains poorly studied due to its deep-sea location.
Recently, researchers from the Florida Museum of Natural History and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology travelled to the Saudi city of Jeddah to investigate the biodiversity of the Red Sea estuary at Bab al-Mandeb, known as the Gate of Tears. About 6,000 valuable specimens were found during the work.
Experts intend to systematise the discovered species, increase reference collections and DNA libraries.
