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In December 2021, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia adopted the Rheticus^® Marine service to monitor water quality and in particular to detect harmful algal blooms in the Red Sea.

Warming oceans and anthropogenic pollution have led to more frequent and extensive harmful algal blooms (HABs) worldwide.

The Red Sea is suffering a reduction of wild and farmed fish and marine biodiversity due to the HABs, with the consequence of negative impacts to fisheries, coastal resources, public health and local economies. In a context like the Saudi Arabia Kingdom where the Red Sea supports the countries situated along its shores through its thriving coral reefs, excellent biodiversity and growing aquaculture industry, the algal blooms became a serious issue.

Adopting the Rheticus^® Marine service, the Red Sea authority can:

• Get a full picture of the state of coastal areas and marine resources;
• Easily spot trends and anticipating risky situations and harmful events;
• Identifies and monitors areas at higher risk from harmful algal blooms;
• Help the development of a sustainable waste management;
• Support marine environment protection and sustainable fisheries development in the Red Sea.

Rheticus^® Marine analyses high-resolution satellite data to provide daily measurements of water quality parameters. Further, thanks to the several tools and features included into the dashboard, the service provides the probability of the presence or absence of HABs.