Meet Roam's Marine Biologist: Red Sea pioneer and dedicated conservationist

For our scientist, marine biology was always a natural fit for his long-term future. He grew up with an interest in wildlife, beginning his career in 2004. A diving license was secured the same year and he relocated to Australia to pursue a diploma in Coastal Ecology. Switching hemispheres, he attended the University of Maine in the USA for a degree focused on wildlife and the environment. Education complete, he made his way to the Red Sea, where today he wears several different hats connected with marine biology: as a teacher, a SCUBA diving and marine life instructor, and a talented underwater photographer/videographer.

That skill with a camera came in particularly useful when he shot pioneering footage of a pair of fascinating and diverse creatures amid the azure waves of the Red Sea. He broke new ground when he was the first to photograph a particular variety of endemic nudibranch.

The nudibranch—also known as a sea slug—is a remarkable, often visually striking water dweller that preys on venomous marine creatures such as jellyfish and sea anemones. Whereas a nudibranch is usually no larger than an oyster shell in length, the marine biologist’s other pioneering photographic subject was significantly larger.

Our scientist was the first person to capture video of minke whales swimming in this wildlife-rich sea. One of the smallest varieties of baleen whale, the minke is most easily identified by the white stripes on its flippers.

And while these particular gentle giants are a rare spot in these waters, the Red Sea is renowned for being patrolled by other sizeable sea beasts. Among their number are manta rays and whale sharks. The latter, the largest fish in existence, migrate through this territory in their dozens for a few months every year.

Despite having travelled the globe during his studies, the marine biologist considers it an honour to be able to have the Red Sea at the heart of his work. “It’s extremely biodiverse, with a lot of endemic species still being discovered,” he says.

In the pristine waters that lap the Saudi Arabian coastline, more than 1,200 fish species have been recorded—for comparison, that's more than are found in the larger Mediterranean Sea. This number includes around 10 per cent of species that are found nowhere else on the planet.

As such, the recreational snorkelling and diving opportunities in the Red Sea are outstanding. Among the many highlights—besides the creatures already mentioned—are the often six-foot-long (and gently curious) Napoleon wrasse, the ever-photogenic lionfish, and the oceanic whitetip shark.

Beyond the incredible variety of fish species, sharp-eyed travellers in the Red Sea often spot pods of athletic spinner dolphins, endangered dugongs grazing in shallow waters, and solitary, watchful turtles.

With his main areas of study revolving around coral reefs and mangroves, the marine biologist has chosen two of the most sensitive and important fronts in the struggle against the effects of climate change. For corals, the Red Sea offers a fascinating study in terms of how these essential marine creatures can tolerate stress and adapt to extreme environments.

In fact, the waters off Saudi Arabia have been identified by the UN as a possible climate refuge for coral. The dazzlingly colourful Red Sea reefs appear to demonstrate higher resilience to changing conditions than corals found elsewhere in the world.

Mangroves, meanwhile, are an essential fringe of lush green found on a swathe of Red Sea coastline. These forests, with their roots in the sea, play an essential role as nurseries for numerous waterborne species. Their biodiversity and verdancy—at such striking contrast to much of the arid, bronzed interior of Saudi—make a journey through these forests a chance to encounter unusual creatures, as well as to feel immersed in an almost Amazonian environment. 

Of course, as sea levels rise, these forests are also being recognised for their erosion-fighting attributes. It's a recognition that’s seen a huge increase in mangrove plantings in the Red Sea and elsewhere around the world.

With his advanced understanding, the marine biologist can open up these areas of conservation and science to the curious. Having him onboard your private yacht in the Red Sea ensures that you have his educational talents on hand, ready to summarise complex scientific ideas to make them more readily digestible.

For a focused experience with our marine biologist, it’s possible to arrange a half-day excursion or a full multi-day expedition gaining you stunning insights into the marine ecology of the Red Sea. Available year-round, either trip sees you travel by private yacht out of Jeddah and into marine life hotspots. 

With him onboard, you’ll learn about the triple threat of climate change, pollution, and overfishing in the region. You'll discover what initiatives the Kingdom is implementing to help protect this beautiful, delicate ecosystem that you’ve just explored.

With the marine biologist’s passion for his work and his commitment to drive positive change in the region, expect to walk away from your private cruise in the Red Sea with experiences that will resonate within you long after you've returned home.  

If you're considering a visit to Saudi Arabia and would like to consult with one of our Travel Advisors to tailor your plans, please reach out to us through the link below. Roam specialises in crafting customised packages tailored to your specific requirements, taking care of all the finer details, so you don't have to.