In the first year of a decade-long expedition led by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), 20 blue holes were found along the southern Red Sea coast.

Blue holes, named for their vibrant color, are underwater sinkholes and home to diverse marine life.

NCW CEO Mohammad Qurban called the discovery a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's marine exploration, which was a result of a collaboration with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology during the Red Sea Decade Expedition.

Last year, the NCW, OceanX, and KAUST launched an expedition called "Exploring the Wonders of the Red Sea: A Decade Expedition" to study the unique blue holes in the Red Sea.

Researchers are using advanced diving techniques, remote sensing technologies, remotely operated vehicles, and autonomous underwater vehicles to examine the blue holes' geology, hydrology, biology, and chemistry.

Scientific diving enables direct observation and sample collection, while technology helps map and study the deeper and inaccessible parts of the blue holes.

Duarte discovered a previously unexplored area of the Kingdom's Red Sea coast, north of Jazan to Al-Lith, rich in coral reefs.

He explored this area using a KAUST research vessel, but the depth variations made navigation challenging.

Duarte believes he may have encountered a blue hole without proper mapping equipment at the time.

He included this area in the Red Sea Decade Expedition, led by the National Center of Wildlife, using the advanced research vessel OceanX to explore further.

Researchers led by Saudi Arabia's National Center for Wildlife have discovered 20 blue holes in the Red Sea, with two distinct types identified: blue rings and sunken lagoons.

Blue rings are cylindrical formations of coral rising from about 400 meters deep with a surface coral ring.

Sunken lagoons, formed by the collapse of carbonate platforms, can reach depths of up to 700 meters.

The team used advanced technology, including submersibles, deep-water robots, and a helicopter, to explore these underwater sinkholes, planning a future expedition to map and conserve them further.

Blue holes in the Saudi Red Sea are unique and significant features that conservationists should focus on due to the endangered marine species that rely on them, according to Duarte.

These blue holes are home to various marine mammals, which use them as nurseries for their newborns.

Blue holes also reveal geological processes and show the importance of physical shelter for vulnerable marine life, informing conservation efforts.

Researchers have observed marine mammals seeking refuge inside these blue holes.

Blue holes are deep underwater formations that are fascinating due to their extreme depths, which are beyond the reach of advanced exploration methods.

At these depths, unique and hardy organisms thrive, despite being deprived of oxygen.

Local fishermen are intrigued by these underwater labyrinths but don't venture inside due to their mystery.

The Exploring the Wonders of the Sea: A Decade Long Expedition has mapped over 62,000 sq km of seabed and collected over 800 samples in the Red Sea, reporting numerous sightings of megafauna such as sharks, manta rays, and turtles.

The National Centre for Wildlife (NCW) is conducting research on marine biological diversity and threats in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea.

Due to the unique features and valuable species found in blue holes, the NCW is taking steps to conserve them.

Their efforts include creating marine protected areas, regulating diving and fishing activities, and conducting scientific research.

These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which focus on social reform and economic diversification, as well as environmental preservation.

With the discovery of precious species in blue holes, the NCW is committed to protecting them through dedicated conservation efforts.

The National Center for Wildlife is aiming to preserve 30% of the Red Sea as protected areas by 2030, and is collaborating with various organizations and stakeholders to develop a conservation strategy for blue holes.

Recent discoveries of blue holes in the Red Sea are just the beginning, as many more remain to be explored, and those already discovered may not be the most remarkable ones.

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