Wildlife researchers have documented record sightings of seabirds and large marine species along Saudi Arabia’s coasts this year alone, according to a report of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The report said researchers have documented 84,516 seabirds, including 50,356 along the eastern coast on the Arabian Gulf, and more than 34,160, representing 63 species, along its western coast on the Red Sea.
NCW also identified 39 key sites for bird migration and breeding, five of which are officially recognized by BirdLife International as critical areas for birds and marine biodiversity.
The center also recorded exceptional sightings of 1,219 large marine creatures, 159 on the eastern coast and 1,060 on the western coast.

The findings are part of NCW 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,” NCW said.

NCW said the findings reinforce the Kingdom’s biodiversity database and strengthen efforts to develop a sustainable management of environmental resources, support the push for eco-tourism, and contribute to raising environmental awareness.