Researchers from the Arabian Gulf College (AGU) and the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gem stones (Danat) have finished an 11-month survey of Bahrain’s marine waters to map pearl oyster beds and seagrass habitats, growing what is predicted to grow to be probably the most kingdom’s maximum complete marine databases.
Masking greater than 8,000 sq. kilometres, the undertaking targets to offer protection to Bahrain’s pearl heritage, preserve marine ecosystems and assess the carbon garage doable of seagrass habitats, referred to as ‘blue carbon’, to reinforce the dominion’s environmental and local weather objectives.
The findings had been introduced all through the release of Danat’s 2025 Sustainability Record, the discharge of its 2025 Greenhouse Gasoline (GHG) Emissions Record and the revealing of the Hayrat Mission Initiative.
Samples amassed all through the survey from Would possibly final 12 months to April 2026 at the moment are being analysed by means of experts, with the findings anticipated to lead long run marine conservation and environmental policymaking.
AGU Geographic Data Programs and Surroundings Affiliate Professor Dr Sabah Al Junaid stated the analysis coated 3 major marine zones round Bahrain, with periodic samples amassed.
AGU delegation all through the Danat seek advice from to advance ‘Blue Carbon’ analysis and herbal pearl research previous this 12 months
“The data is now being anaylsed using remote sensing and advanced environmental mapping technologies,” she stated.
Dr Al Junaid
“Danat experts are identifying the species and density of pearl oysters to build an accurate scientific database on the condition of Bahrain’s marine habitats.”
Dr Al Junaid stated probably the most undertaking’s key goals is to measure how a lot carbon is absorbed and saved by means of those ecosystems.
Seagrass habitats give a contribution to what’s referred to as blue carbon, the natural carbon captured and saved by means of oceans and coastal ecosystems. Such habitats assist take away carbon dioxide from the ambience and retailer it naturally over lengthy sessions.
A map appearing the other zones the place the analysis came about
Dr Al Junaid, who may be an educational manager of the Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Chair in Geographic Data Programs, added that the analysis will reinforce Bahrain’s commitments beneath the Paris Local weather Settlement by means of selling nature-based answers to scale back greenhouse fuel emissions.
Past environmental conservation, the undertaking is predicted to ascertain a countrywide clinical database and expand specialized Bahraini experience that executive companies can draw upon for long run environmental research, policymaking and marine useful resource control.
“The project demonstrates the value of collaboration between national and research institutions and reflects Bahrain’s commitment to protecting its marine environment, preserving its pearl heritage and promoting environmental sustainability for future generations,” she stated.
Danat launched its 2025 Sustainability Record, in conjunction with its 2025 GHG file and the Hayrat Mission Initiative final week, marking a brand new step within the institute’s efforts to advance environmental accountability and reinforce the conservation of Bahrain’s herbal pearl oyster beds.
It outlines its growth throughout environmental, social and governance spaces, with a focal point on local weather control, marine biodiversity, pearl oyster analysis, blue carbon research, useful resource potency, training, outreach and accountable operations.
In line with the file, the institute’s greenhouse fuel emissions totalled 313.43 tonnes of carbon dioxide an identical (tCO₂e) in 2024, representing a 21.7 in keeping with cent aid when compared with its 2022 baseline.
It additionally notes that Danat has examined greater than 32 million pearls and gems since its status quo in 2017.
Danat, an entirely owned subsidiary of Bahrain Mumtalakat Maintaining Corporate, serves as Bahrain’s nationwide authority for pearl and gemstone trying out and certification whilst supporting analysis into the dominion’s herbal pearl heritage.
