A SWOT Analysis of Marine Research From the 1960s to 2011
For centuries, the Kingdom of Bahrain has drawn life and identity from the sea. Its strategic location in the Arabian Gulf made it a thriving maritime trade center long before the discovery of oil, with generations of Bahrainis forming an authentic bond with marine environments 1 . This deep connection transformed the surrounding waters into more than just an economic resource—they became part of the nation's cultural soul. Unfortunately, alongside societal evolution, this bond has weakened while marine biodiversity faces threats from human activities like irregular fishing and pollution 1 .
Between the 1960s and 2011, scientific efforts to understand Bahrain's marine environment produced a substantial body of research, but until recently, no one had examined these collective works systematically. A groundbreaking SWOT analysis (examining Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) filled this gap by evaluating 122 scientific articles published over five decades. This assessment reveals not only what we've learned about Bahrain's marine world but, just as importantly, what remains unknown—providing a crucial navigation chart for future research to safeguard both ecological and cultural heritage 3 .
Centuries of maritime tradition and connection to the sea
122 scientific articles evaluated over five decades
Charting a course for future marine research priorities
When researchers Khadija Zainal and Mohammed Al-Rumaidh compiled and categorized five decades of marine research, they discovered a fascinating distribution of scientific attention across different specialties. Their analysis, which examined 122 articles published in peer-reviewed journals, revealed several distinct research categories with varying levels of focus 3 .
The clear frontrunner in research attention—pollution studies—reflects growing concerns about environmental degradation along Bahrain's coasts. As one study noted, "The marine ecosystems are being heavily exposed to considerable deterioration in the last few decades due to anthropogenic pressures mostly sourced from land-based sources" 4 . These pressures include oil and chemical industries, sewage outfalls, desalination plants, and massive dredging and reclamation projects that have expanded Bahrain's land area from 662.8 km² to 765.3 km² between 1963 and 2007 4 .
A comprehensive analysis of Bahrain's marine research landscape reveals key insights into the scientific community's achievements and challenges.
A 2018 study of the Askar coastal area provides an excellent example of both the approaches and challenges in Bahrain's marine research. This comprehensive assessment, conducted along approximately 5 km of coastline, exemplified modern methodological approaches while highlighting serious environmental concerns 4 .
The research team employed a multi-faceted approach to understand the Askar marine environment:
69 stations spaced 300 meters apart, creating a systematic grid for habitat mapping 4
Eight selected locations representing different biotopes for qualitative and quantitative analysis 4
Including industrial discharges, sewage treatment plants, and desalination facilities 4
Using established frameworks to ensure consistency with previous surveys 4
This combination of high-tech remote imaging with direct underwater observation allowed researchers to efficiently cover a large area while still gathering detailed biological data at specific points.
The survey revealed concerning environmental conditions along the Askar coast. Researchers identified five main biotopes: silty sand, silty sand with seagrass, mud, rock with sand veneer, and macroalgae. Unfortunately, "a lack of conspicuous flora and fauna characterized most of the sites investigated," suggesting poor ecological health 4 .
The seagrass habitat, critically important for marine biodiversity, was found to be "of less cover across the study area represented by patchy forms (<1%)." The survey also noted that "numerous dead bivalve shells of Pinctada sp. were observed," indicating potential ongoing environmental stress 4 .
| Biotope Type | Description | Ecological Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silty Sand | Dominant substrate type | Limited biological diversity |
| Silty Sand with Seagrass | Patchy distribution | Less than 1% cover, poor condition |
| Mud | Fine sediment areas | Often associated with organic enrichment |
| Rock with Sand Veneer | Hard substrate with thin sand covering | Potential habitat for attached species |
| Macroalgae | Limited distribution | Sparse occurrence |
The researchers attributed these poor conditions to multiple pollution sources affecting the area, including industrial discharges from the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) refinery, treated and untreated sewage from treatment plants, and fine sediment from a sand wash plant that reduced water clarity and oxygen levels 4 .
Marine researchers in Bahrain have employed a diverse array of tools and methods to study the underwater world. These technologies range from simple physical sampling devices to advanced remote sensing systems.
Collecting mobile organisms and sediments for sampling fish and benthic species
Visual habitat mapping used for seafloor assessment in Askar survey 4
Direct underwater observation for qualitative biological surveys
Satellite-based ocean monitoring for sea surface temperature and chlorophyll
Water velocity measurement for studying ocean currents
Identifying patterns in ecological data for species diversity studies
These methods collectively enable scientists to build a comprehensive picture of marine environments, from physical and chemical characteristics to biological communities and their interactions. As the Askar study demonstrated, combining multiple approaches provides the most complete understanding of complex coastal ecosystems 4 .
Advanced technologies like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) offer exciting possibilities for future Bahraini research, allowing deeper exploration and more extensive data collection than traditional methods 2 . Similarly, geospatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help researchers map patterns of species distribution and identify biodiversity hotspots 2 .
The SWOT analysis of Bahrain's marine research from the 1960s through 2011 reveals both substantial accomplishments and significant challenges. While scientists have generated valuable knowledge—particularly regarding pollution and habitat ecology—important gaps remain in our understanding of marine biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
The path forward requires strategic prioritization and enhanced collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and international partners. As the analysis concluded, "If more data gathered in a collaborated manner on a regular basis, it would be an invaluable management resource for both fisheries and the wellbeing of the marine environment in Bahrain" 3 .
Future research should leverage emerging technologies like molecular techniques for studying microbial diversity and advanced underwater vehicles for habitat mapping. At the same time, researchers must address persistent environmental threats, including coastal development, pollution, and overfishing.
Perhaps most importantly, this scientific work connects to a larger cultural mission. As one study noted, we have a "responsibility of reconnecting the public with marine life and increasing their level of awareness on such issues" to ensure "that these traditional maritime practices are passed to the future generation along with a more appropriate marine environmental condition" 1 .
By building on five decades of research while boldly addressing its limitations, Bahrain can protect both its natural marine heritage and the cultural traditions that have depended on it for generations. The true value of this scientific work lies not merely in understanding the marine environment but in using that knowledge to safeguard it for those who will navigate its waters in the centuries to come.