Saudi Arabia has 2500 kilometers of coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The Red Sea is one of the deepest regional seas (reaching 2500 meters) while the Arabian gulf is shallow and almost land-locked . Both , described as "rainforests of the sea and an underwater paradise", play s strategic and fundamental role in providing the Kingdom with fresh water from desalination plants as well as fishes. The coastal environment is of a high recreational value.

Coral reefs are famous for their beauty and 250 species of Red Sea coral have been recorded. They are less extensive in the Arabian Gulf and occur around offshore islands and in other patches. Coral reefs provide shelter and food for marine life, particularly fishes.

Over 1280 species of fish have been recorded in the Red Sea and 542 species in the Arabian Gulf.

Seagrass beds and algal flats are among the most productive of the global ecosystems. Eleven species of all the seven known genera of seagrass occur in the Red Sea. There are three species in the Arabian Gulf. Seagrass have a fundamental role in primary production and main tendence of fisheries as feeding and breeding grounds. Beds of seagrass are also important for coastal stabilization and as an essential habitat for the endangered dugong and 5 species of marine turtles.

Mountain Biodiversity | Arid Land Biodiversity | Wetland Biodiversity | Protected Area Biodiversity