RIYADH: Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) President Dr. Zuhair Al-Nawab launched on Sunday a four-day workshop on marine studies.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Nawab said that SGS is currently undertaking exploratory research and exploring strategic resources in the field of competence along the Red Sea coast.

Representatives from more than ten countries, including Saudi Arabia, are participating in the workshop.

Al-Nawab said that 32 topics relating to the history as well as geological characteristics of the Red sea were scheduled to be discussed during the workshop.

She added that due to the importance of marine resources as well as their exploitation, the Department of Marine Studies was established in 1999 and turned into the Marine Geology Center in 2009. She said that the center has two research boats which are equipped with the latest hardware in marine research.

For his part, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohsen Al-Attas, SGS assistant chief, underscored the importance of the workshop, adding that the information to be discussed will be published in a new book about the Red Sea. The first book on the Red Sea received a warm reception from various sectors.

He said that the two versions of the new book will include 72 studies that include subjects on oceanography, marine systems, coastal areas, bays, mineral deposits, among others.