Our Chief Scientist, Dr. Sam Purkis, returned to the Red Sea to participate in another OceanX research mission in the northern Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. The OceanX research mission complemented the foundation’s earlier work in the region, which we conducted 15 years ago. Whereas in 2007, the foundation focused on mapping the shallow-water reef systems of the northern Red Sea and setting a baseline for their health and vitality, the focus of the latest expedition was on the deep-water system, which extends from the mesophotic zone down to the abyssal plains of the Red Sea. This new focus allowed the underpinnings of the shallow-water reefs to be examined and shed light on the incredibly high diversity of reef morphology observed in the waters offshore Saudi Arabia. It also led to the discovery of the first brine pool discovered along the coast in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Everything You Need to Know About the 2027 Science Without Borders® Challenge
Are you ready to combine your creativity with ocean science?
The 15th Annual Science Without Borders® Challenge is now open! Whether you’re participating for the first time or returning for another year, this guide will help you get started.
This year’s theme, Navigate With Care, invites students to explore how responsible navigation helps protect both people and life in the ocean. Through your artwork, you can compete for scholarships and international recognition while inspiring others to protect both people and life in the ocean.
