Qatar University establishes the first national marine macroalgae database

Qatar University's (QU) Environmental Sciences Center (ESC) has established the first national marine macroalgae database "QAlgae" in Qatar.
This interdisciplinary project, led by Dr. Noora Abdulla al-Naimi, senior research assistant at the ESC, will bring together the fields of environmental sciences and computer science to create a comprehensive digital resource that will revolutionise the understanding of marine macroalgae in the region.
The establishment of the QAlgae database is anticipated to have numerous positive outcomes as it will serve as a valuable tool and reference for taxonomists, researchers, and scientists nationally and internationally.
Moreover, the database will enhance the research experience of students and raise awareness of the significance of marine macroalgae as a natural resource. It will facilitate various research endeavors, including ecological studies, biodiversity assessments, resource management, and climate change studies.
"The QAlgae database will provide a reliable and comprehensive resource for marine macroalgae data, benefiting researchers, conservationists, and industries alike. This initiative aligns perfectly with QU's commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to Qatar's sustainable development goals," said Dr. Noora.
The establishment of the QAlgae database represents a significant milestone in marine research and biodiversity conservation efforts in Qatar. With QU at the forefront of this groundbreaking project, the nation is poised to make strides in understanding and utilizing its rich marine resources more sustainably.
Recognising the immense potential of marine macroalgae in Qatar and the scarcity of research on the subject, QU’s research team took the initiative to create the QAlgae database. The project, supported by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) as part of the undergraduate research experience programme (UREP), involved five undergraduate students, fostering their growth in environmental and computer sciences.
Kholood Sheryr, Raneem Mohamed, Somaya Eltanbouly, Muraam Abdel-Ghani, and Wassia al-Sanadi actively participated in the collection, examination, and classification of marine macroalgae samples from various sites along Qatar's coastal region.
Located in the Arabian Gulf, Qatar's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) presents unique challenges and opportunities due to its warmest water bodies in the world and high sea temperatures and salinities.
Despite these extreme conditions, the coastal waters of Qatar are home to diverse macroalgal communities, including chlorophyta (green algae), rhodophyta (red algae), and ochrophyta (brown algae).
These marine macroalgae play a crucial role in the marine coastal ecosystem's food web, acting as primary producers and providing nourishment for various organisms. Additionally, they possess compounds of great commercial value that are utilized in the pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural, biotechnological, food, and biofuel industries.