IFM-GEOMAR Participates in Coral Reef Expedition in Red Sea (Saudi Arabia)

The Saudi coast of the Red Sea covers more than 11° latitudes featuring decreasing nutrients, decreasing mean annual SST and increasing salinity from S to N making it an ideal setting to investigate naturally varying water parameters on coral reefs.

During a 4 week land-based expedition (16.September – 11. October) of the Jeddah Transect project conducted by the Nutrient Gradient 6 sites along the Saudi coast are visited, while the 3 Northern sites have been successfully completed, already. The expedition is developing well and efficient. The group consists of 16 participants (5 Germans – Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences IFM GEOMAR – and 11 Saudi Arabians – King Abdulaziz University, KAU) assessing coral reef related dynamics along the S-N gradient of the Red Sea.

The sub-group led by Dr. Benjamin Kürten (IFM-GEOMAR), Dr. Aidaroos, Dr. Khomayis and Dr. Orif (KAU) investigates coral reef associated plankton with special interest in food web dynamics. Extensive plankton collection (phyto- and zooplankton) as well as water sampling for biogeochemical analyses are conducted in parallel to the works of the coral group. The first collection in the north (Maqna) was hindered by rough sea in the Gulf of Aqaba, but completed successfully on the third day using a small vessel supported by the Saudi Arabia border patrol. Further collections to date were completed in Al Wajh near to Reja Island, and in close proximity to the coral reefs off the coast of Yanbu, where The Royal Commission of Survey supported our field sampling with one of their research vessels.

The sub-group of Dr. Sawall (IFM-GEOMAR) and Dr. Abdulmohsin Al-Sofyani (KAU) investigates the metabolic behavior of the widely distributed hard coral Pocilloporaverrucosa by using in situ incubations for photosynthesis, respiration, calcification and mucus production measurements. These results together with coral tissue analyses and population genetics are expected to highlight the metabolic adaptations to prevailing conditions, which might further allow predictions on the effect of human caused changes in water quality.Furthermore, soft coral diversity and the competitive behavior of the dominating genus Xenia are investigated by the IFM-GEOMAR PhD student Ben Hoang. The northern part of the expedition was partly hindered by rough sea but was overall successful.

The cooperation between German and Saudi scientists develops very well and fruitful for both sides. Although the expedition is a large logistical challenge, Saudi commitment and growing routine provides optimism for a very successful expedition. All participants are healthy, in good mood and looking forward to the southbound part of the expedition.

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Source: IFM-GEOMAR, October 10 , 2011