Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve Enhances Marine Conservation With New Patrol Boats

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has enhanced its marine conservation efforts by introducing two patrol boats. These vessels cover 1.8% of Saudi Arabia's waters, with the reserve's marine area spanning 3,856 km² to the edge of the Kingdom’s territorial waters. The coastline managed by the reserve stretches 170 km, making it the longest under a single conservation agency in Saudi Arabia.

The reserve is home to a diverse range of marine life, including 64% of Saudi Arabia's coral species and 22% of its fish species. It also supports populations of Hawksbill and Green turtles, Spinner dolphins, Dugongs, Whale sharks, and essential gray mangrove ecosystems. This rich biodiversity underscores the importance of effective conservation measures in the area.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, stated: "The commissioning of our new boats ‘In Our Nature 1 and 2’ enables marine-wide compliance and research capabilities. Our specialist marine rangers crewing them are born and raised in the reserve and have an intimate knowledge of its waters. The reserve is committed to a landscape and seascape-wide restoration program, and these boats are another key step forward in that restoration journey."

The newly launched boats are equipped with carb-star rated motors for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. They are custom-built for both long-range deep-sea operations and shallow coastal tasks. This versatility allows them to support various conservation activities across different marine environments.

In collaboration with the Border Guard, reserve rangers will ensure ongoing protection of vital ecosystems along Saudi Arabia's northwest coastline. This partnership is crucial for maintaining connectivity among coral reefs and other key habitats within the marine section of the reserve.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of only two royal reserves in Saudi Arabia that includes a marine area. Its team of dedicated marine rangers has undergone specialized training through a six-week sea search and rescue course provided by the Border Guard.

Ranger Training and Responsibilities

Rangers work closely with the NCW Fisheries Department and the National Centre of Environmental Compliance (NCEC) as part of disaster management teams patrolling for oil and chemical spills. Mashari Marzouq, once a fisherman who became a ranger in 2021, now leads a team dedicated to environmental preservation.

"Together, we can protect our natural heritage for present and future generations," said Marzouq, highlighting his commitment to conservation efforts within the reserve.

Biodiversity Preservation

The reserve boasts extensive coral reefs inhabited by numerous fish species, crustaceans, and molluscs. Seagrass meadows provide shelter for fish while serving as feeding grounds for turtles and dugongs. Protecting turtle nesting sites is a critical task for rangers who record turtle landings using special cages.

The endangered Hawksbill turtle and Green turtle find refuge within this protected environment. Through collaboration with SHAMS (General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reef and Sea Turtles in Red Sea), rangers receive specialized training on turtle conservation techniques.

This partnership ensures that these endangered species thrive within their natural habitats under careful protection from human interference or environmental threats.

With inputs from SPA