Coral reef ecosystems in the Red Sea are unique, supporting exceptional biodiversity and providing critical services to human populations. Yet, these systems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, overfishing, and coastal development. Understanding and quantifying the sustainability of reef-based food systems is critical for guiding future conservation and food security strategies in the Red Sea region. This project provides an exciting opportunity for a visiting student to contribute to ongoing efforts trying to effectively monitor coral reef fisheries and aquatic food systems in the Kingdom. The student will develop a model that can size and identify species from catch images taken under different contexts, piloting its performance using a local case study. This work will support the development of an interdisciplinary and efficient monitoring program. The internship is especially suited for students with a background in statistics and computer science who wish to apply their skills to tackle real-world environmental challenges. Participants will work in a collaborative environment and develop a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, food systems, sustainability science and planetary health.

The visiting student will: Work closely with international collaborators to develop a model that can identify and size species in the Red Sea Pilot a field experiment that aims to test how different image settings influence the performance of the model. Review relevant scientific literature. Collaborate with the research team to develop data visualizations, publications, or analytical tools to communicate findings effectively. By the end of the internship, the student will: Understand how to interpret results within a sustainability and food systems context. Strengthen skills in scientific communication and reproducible research practices. Build an interdisciplinary foundation to pursue advanced research or a career in applied computer science, marine science, planetary health, or sustainable development.