On Thursday, 16 April 2026, the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre launched the Sharjah Marine Observatory and established its first monitoring station, S1, within the Al Qalqali Marine Protected Area.
Located approximately one kilometre offshore at a depth of 30 metres, the station supports seabed surveys using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), water-column temperature measurements, and the collection of water and sediment samples for environmental analysis.
“This is the first step towards monitoring and understanding the Al Qalqali Marine Protected Area for the benefit of everyone who depends on this ecosystem.” — Professor Steve Widdicombe, Director of SMSRC
Weekly field visits will provide consistent scientific data, strengthen understanding of local marine ecosystems and support evidence-based environmental decision-making.
For the hero image, use a clear photo of the S1 fieldwork, research vessel, ROV operation or sampling activity rather than the current unrelated image.
