This study identifies the optimal location for an offshore energy island to supply sustainable power to desalination plants along the Red Sea coast. As demand for clean energy in water production grows, integrating renewables into desalination systems becomes increasingly essential. A decision-making framework was developed to assess site feasibility based on renewable energy potential (solar, wind, and wave), marine traffic, site suitability, planned developments, and proximity to desalination facilities. Data was sourced from platforms such as Windguru and RETScreen, and spatial analysis was conducted using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Results indicate that the central Red Sea region offers the most favorable conditions, combining high renewable resource availability with existing infrastructure. The estimated regional desalination energy demand of 2.1 million kW can be met using available renewable sources. Integrating these sources is expected to reduce local CO2 emissions by up to 43.17% and global desalination-related emissions by 9.5%. Spatial constraints for offshore installations were also identified, with land-based solar energy proposed as a complementary solution. The study underscores the need for further research into wave energy potential in the Red Sea, due to limited real-time data and the absence of a dedicated wave energy atlas.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, has led to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The Hudaydah region, located on the Red Sea coast and home to the country's second-largest port, is critical for the delivery of food and medical supplies. We conducted a two-stage cluster randomised survey to estimate the prevalence of acute malnutrition among children and pregnant and lactating women (PLW). We estimated the prevalence of household food insecurity and quantified death rates. During February-March 2021, acute malnutrition prevalence was 14.1%(95%CI: 12.2-16.2) among children aged 6-59 months, with 4.0%(95%CI: 3.3-4.9) severely malnourished. 43% of malnourished children were not in a nutritional programme. Acute malnutrition among PLW was 25.7%(95%CI: 23.0-28.6). We estimated 54%(95%CI: 44-63) of households were food insecure, 22%(95%CI: 15-31) severely. Crude and under-five death rates were below humanitarian thresholds. More than half of the children reported sickness in the last 14 days, and this proportion was higher among the malnourished.

Abstract The three different forms of burial structures recorded in the cemeteries of post-Roman Berenike on the Egyptian Red Sea coast represent a diversity unmatched in the Eastern Desert in the fourth–sixth centuries AD. Berenike’s role as a major commercial hub in the Indian Ocean trade fostered the emergence of a differentiated society which, the authors argue, found one way of expression in the variety of tomb forms. However, shared burial practices helped to sustain social cohesion. These findings shed light on the cultural formation of Indigenous communities participating in a long-distance exchange of goods.

Growth Pattern, Selectivity and Stock Status of Spangled Emperor Lethrinus nebulosus from the Red Sea Coast off Shalatein

Assessing the radioactive properties and environmental risks of Hankorab sediments on the Red Sea coast

First Record for the Acidopsid Crab, Caecopilumnus hirsutus (Acidopsidae: Goneplacoidea: Brachyura) from the Egyptian Red Sea Coasts

Population Parameters and Stock Assessment of Trachinocephalus trachinus from the Southern Red Sea Coasts, Egypt

Phytochemical profiling, toxicity, and pharmacological investigations of the brown seaweed Sargassum vulgare collected from the Red Sea coast combined with molecular docking analysis and SwissADMET prediction

The yellow-edged lyretail grouper, Variola louti, is ecologically and commercially important in the Red Sea. As a carnivorous species, V. louti plays a vital role in maintaining coral reef ecosystem health. Annually, an estimated 260 tonnes of V. louti are landed along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast, contributing approximately 6.5 million USD to the national economy. Given its significance, effective fishery management is crucial for sustainability. This study assessed the growth, maturity, and mortality of V. louti using fishery-dependent samples collected from the eastern Red Sea (February 2022–December 2024). Fork length (FL, n = 7,087) ranged from 10.5 to 64.3 cm, while total weight (W, n = 2,629) varied from 53 to 2,910 g. The FL–W relationship for both sexes combined was W = 0.0117×FL3.1. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters, based on sagittal otolith readings, were FL∞ = 62.28 cm, K = 0.12 year−1, and t0 = −2.26 years. Median FL at first maturity was 24.98 cm, with no significant sex differences. Mean natural mortality (M), derived from three different methods, was 0.243 year−1. Total mortality (Z), estimated using a linearized exponential decay model, was 0.38 year−1. Based on these Z and M estimates, fishing mortality (F) was calculated as 0.137 year−1. Yield-per-recruit and spawning potential ratio analyses indicate that the current F estimate places the stock near the target reference point. The current exploitation rate (E = 0.36) remains well below the limit reference point of 0.5. The V. louti fishery encompasses a broad FL range and multiple age groups, with immature individuals comprising less than 12% of total landings. However, according to the minimum landing size of 33 cm FL set by Saudi Arabian fisheries regulations, 47% of the total catch consisted of mature fish aged 2–3 years but below this threshold (25 cm ≤ FL < 33 cm), while only 41% met the legal-size requirement (FL > 33 cm). The high proportion of legally undersized individuals in landings underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and additional management measures, such as catch quotas, seasonal restrictions, and fishing effort reduction, to ensure long-term stock sustainability.

This study aimed to investigate the asymmetry in otolith length (OL), otolith width (OW) and otolith weight (OWe) in relation to total body length in 224 fish samples of Lethrinus borbonicus, L. letnjan and L. mahsena collected from the Red Sea coast of the Republic of Yemen. The results showed that the irregularity of OWe was greater than that of OL and OW. The degree of disproportionality in the three otolith features increased with the growth in the fish size. The likely reason for the asymmetry in the otolith parameters explored has been discussed in relation to the inconsistency in development provoked by territorial influence linked to the discrepancies in water temperature, salinity, depth, and impurities found in the southern Red Sea water system.

Thirty-four sediment samples were gathered from El-Hamrawein Harbour area. The investigating area sediments are composed of 84.86% sand fraction. The gravel fraction ranged from 0.00 to 46.54% and averaged 6.71%. Mud fraction varied from 0.00 to 32.39% and averaged 8.44%. The majority of samples were gathered from deep depths of the area contain a significant amount of mud fraction. This is a result of landfilling and dredging in the harbour area, additional to phosphate ore shipment activities. The carbonate content ranged from 22.10% to 85.78%, averaging 63.43%, indicating impure carbonate content. The sediment's organic matter content ranged from 1.35% to 4.22%, averaging 2.71%. El-Hamrawein Harbour has values of total phosphorus ranged from ND to 11120.71 ppm and averaged 4555.59 ppm. These values are due to phosphate shipment activities at the harbour. The distribution of heavy metals at El-Hamrawein Harbour's marine sediments has been carried out. The overall average concentrations of the metals Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, and Hg were recorded at 0.31%, 126.32 ppm, 20.55 ppm, 7.77 ppm, 6.35 ppm, 0.30 ppm, 21.57 ppm, and 0.08 ppm, respectively. These concentrations are related to dredging, landfilling, and phosphate ore shipping, additional to terrigenous flux from Wadi Hamrawein. The assessment of sediment contamination was conducted using various metrics, including the pollution load index, contamination factor, modified degree of contamination, contamination degree, and enrichment factor. Statistical methods, including principal component analysis, correlation coefficients, and cluster analysis, have been utilized to uncover potential relationships among different variables. Maps of the spatial distribution of the different variables were also produced using an arcGIS approach.

Petrochemistry and Tectonic Evolutions of the Tertiary basalt along Red Sea Coast, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt..

Elemental variations in response to environmental and climatic changes in a sediment core spanning the last 5 ka from Salman Bay, eastern Red Sea coast

Al-Kuwaizi Sabkha exists 21 km south of Al-Hodeidah City, occupying a low topographic region along the Red Sea coast of Yemen. It is secluded from the sea by sand dunes. This study aims to investigate the microbial-induced sedimentary structures and sediment characteristics of the sabkha in this unique coastal environment. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the geological processes shaping this area and provide insights into microbial activity in an extremely arid climate. The sabkha sediments are texturally classified as slightly gravelly sand and muddy sand, generally polymodal with dominant fine sand, nearly symmetrical, and very leptokurtic. Field investigation of the evaporite-siliciclastic sabkha environment revealed microbially induced surface sedimentary structures such as petee structures, mat chips, tufts, reticulates, jelly rolls, sieve-like surfaces, and wrinkle structures. This sabkha environment provides a good model for studying the potential preservation of life signatures and understanding the depositional environments of ancient evaporite sequences influenced by microbial structures.

This study presents a structured characterization of microplastic pollution along the Red Sea coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIS), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), we examined the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of microplastic samples. The research revealed significant weathering and degradation of particles, predominantly composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Water analysis provided context for understanding degradation processes. Potential pollution sources were identified, including urban runoff, coastal activities, and industrial discharge. This work contributes to the understanding of microplastic pollution in the unique Red Sea ecosystem and informs targeted mitigation strategies.

Seaweed vegetation is widely distributed along the Red Sea coasts. Therefore, the current study presents an ecological study on the spatial and temporal variations of seaweed vegetation at three different sites (Suez, Hurghada and Marsa Alam) along the western coast of the northern Red Sea. The study was conducted through regular seasonal visits over four seasons, starting from winter 2022. Physicochemical parameters were measured, and the coverage of seaweed species was estimated using the quadrat method. Forty-seven species of seaweeds were collected and identified from the studied sites during the study period. Site II (Hurghada) had the highest number of species (n = 37), whereas site I (Suez) had the lowest (n = 11). The findings reveal significant variations in species composition, and coverage, highlighting the influence of environmental factors and seasonal changes on seaweed communities. Site I (Suez) recorded the highest average percentage cover of Chlorophyta (97%), where Phaeophyceae (50%) and Rhodophyta (38%) recorded the maximum at site II and site III (Marsa Alam), respectively. In general, winter and spring recorded the highest number of species (43 and 38, respectively), while autumn recorded the lowest (n = 33). In spring, Chlorophyta recorded the highest coverage (35.7%) mostly represented by Ulva lactuca, Caulerpa racemosa, Dictyosphaeria cavernosa, Valonia aegagropila and Cladophora prolifera, followed by Rhodophyta (34.3%) with a dominance of Actinotrichia fragilis and Jania rubens. Furthermore, regular biodiversity monitoring is necessary to continuously update the species and detect any changes that may occur in the physicochemical and biological parameters of the ecosystem, including the effects of climate change.

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria highlights the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents. In this study, Bacillus species were isolated from mangrove sediments along the Red Sea coast in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 30 isolates were screened for antibacterial activity against four MDR pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eleven isolates designated JRSM (Jeddah Red Sea Mangrove) 1 to 11, demonstrated inhibitory effects, and four strains (JRSM 4, 6, 7, and 9) were selected for further investigation. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays confirmed their antimicrobial potential, particularly against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed the strains such as Bacillus mesophilus, Bacillus xiamenensis, Bacillus halotolerans, and Bacillus subtilis. All strains were Gram-positive and catalase-positive. These findings highlight the Red Sea mangrove sediments as a promising source of Bacillus spp. with potential applications in combating MDR and biofilm-associated infections. Further research is needed to optimize metabolite production and characterize the active compounds responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity.

Biochemical Composition and Biological Properties of Some Red and Green Algae from the Saudi Red Sea Coast

ABSTRACTMicritization of marine carbonate grains is an early diagenetic process involving the alteration of the original carbonate fabric and the formation of cryptocrystalline textures through cycles of dissolution and reprecipitation. Microorganisms play a significant role in this process, actively contributing to the formation of constructive and destructive aragonite and high Mg–calcite envelopes. However, the complex interdependencies among sedimentological, geochemical and microbiological processes governing micritization in modern shallow‐marine settings remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, four sediment cores were collected across an inlet to the Al‐Kharrar Lagoon on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive multidisciplinary analysis of the Holocene sedimentary sequences from these cores (<1 m depth) was conducted, combining petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical and microbial ecology analyses. Scanning electron microscopy displayed carbonate sediments covered by mud‐sized aragonite needles resulting from the breakdown of coarser carbonate grains and/or microbial activity. Additionally, the presence of Mg‐rich calcite, mini‐micrite crystals (<1 μm) and biofilms on the grains' surface indicated microbial‐mediated precipitation. Microborings and carbonate fillings were also found beneath the surfaces. Besides the clear signature of biological residues on grains, DNA‐based analysis confirmed the presence of bacteria typically associated with carbonate precipitation and microboring, including cyanobacteria (potential endoliths), aerobic heterotrophs and sulphate‐reducing bacteria (both potential precipitation inducers). These bacteria were widely distributed throughout the cores, with the highest abundance observed in the upper sediment layers. Overall, the results confirmed the active processes of dissolution and micrite formation within the carbonate sediments of the Al Kharrar lagoon, positioning the site as a valuable modern analogue for Mesozoic micritic limestones. These results advance the understanding of the microbial communities involved in the micritization process and provide useful insights into the evolution of microporosity, a defining characteristic of many Middle Eastern reservoirs.

This preliminary study looked at the concentrations, sources, and hazards of the persistent organochlorine pesticides in 71 sediment samples from the Shalatin area (Egyptian Red Sea coast). Conventional methods were used to study the persistent organochlorinated pesticide residue. The residues of 16 organochlorine pesticides were determined using the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer-mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS); selected reaction monitoring (SRM) technique. The total pesticide residue (ng g-1, dry weight) extended from < DL-0.628; < DL-7.128; and < DL-8.256ngg-1 for hexachloro-cyclohexane (HCHs), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro ethane (DDTs), and cyclodienes (CDs), respectively. DDD and DDE, metabolites of DDT, are abundant in the sediment samples, suggesting that the identified DDTs were ancient and not recently added to the Shalatin area due to the lack of potential sources of these metabolites such as rivers or agricultural activities near this area. The organochlorine pesticides in sediment samples are lower than those reported for other global regions. The source identification of organochlorine pesticides and the Eco-toxicological study were also investigated. The analysis of possible health and environmental issues showed that there were not many hazards to either people or animals in the area under study. The widespread use of organochlorine pesticides for non-agricultural and agricultural purposes is this study's leading cause of persistent pesticides.