RESEARCH
Pathways of Impact
Pioneering research that drives evidence-based conservation, strengthens ecosystem resilience, and bridges science with policy through knowledge diplomacy. Dr. Reem AlMealla’s research unfolds across interconnected themes — advancing ecological understanding, strengthening conservation efforts, and shaping new frontiers for biodiversity diplomacy.
Coral Reef Health and
Resilience
Exploring the genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae (coral-algae symbiosis) across three bioregions in Bahrain, while investigating reef carbonate budgets and mapping coral cover distribution. This research generates the first comprehensive scientific baseline for understanding coral health, resilience, and presence in the region — providing decision-makers with critical evidence to guide reef management, climate adaptation strategies, and the design of effective, positively impactful coral restoration projects.
Elasmobranch Conservation Research
In collaboration with Dr. Dareen Almojil, the first Khaleeji shark specialist, systematic assessments of shark and ray populations in Bahrain using a multi-faceted approach combining modern cut-edge approaches such as environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs) and citizen science with traditional approaches such as fish market surveys and local ecological knowledge — addressing critical data gaps for national conservation strategies through the Finsight Bahrain Project.
Eco-phyisology of Pearl Oysters in a Changing Climate
Exploring the thermal resilience and ecological characteristics of Pinctada radiata populations across Bahrain’s oyster beds, this research investigates how extreme temperature and salinity regimes shape physiological limits and ecosystem dynamics. By integrating field and lab-based work such as thermal tolerance experiments with ecological surveys, Reem’s research in collaboration with Dr. Theresa Dabruzzi, builds critical knowledge to support conservation strategies, sustainable fisheries management, and climate adaptation planning — safeguarding Bahrain’s marine heritage in an era of rapid environmental change.
Biodiversity Data
Diplomacy
In a region historically challenged by low-trust environments and fragmented ecological data systems, Dr. Reem AlMealla is championing a new model of biodiversity data diplomacy — one that builds transparency, trust, and collective action through science, citizen engagement, and strategic collaboration. Through the integration of digital platforms, citizen science initiatives, and multilateral diplomacy, this work seeks to advance conservation outcomes, foster regional cooperation, and reshape how environmental policy is informed across the Gulf and beyond — positioning biodiversity data as a cornerstone of environmental resilience, governance, and shared stewardship.
List of Publications
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Ewane, B. E., Selvam, P. P., AlMealla, R., Watt, M. S., Pitumpe Arachchige, P. S., Bomfim, B., Wan Mohd Jaafar, W. S., Salehian, S., Ali, T., Manickam, N., Abdullah, M. M., Westover, S., & Mohan, M. (2025). Journal of Environmental Management, 342, 124074.
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AlMealla RK, Edullates & Hepburn LJ (2024) Bleaching threatens positive carbonate budgets on Bahraini reefs. Marine Biology, 171:39.
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AlMealla, R & Hepburn L (2024). Coral Reefs in the Pearl of the Gulf- Bahrain. In: Coral reefs and associated marine fauna around the Arabian Peninsula. Eds: NMA Rasul and ICF Stewart. Taylor and Francis.
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Mohan M, Roy AD, Montenegro JF, Watt, MS, Burt JA, Shapiro A, Ouerfelli D, Daniel R, de-Miguel S, Ali Tarig, Pardo MO, Al Sayah M, Aboobacker VM, El Beyrouthy N, Reef R, Adrah E, AlMealla R, Arachchige P, Selvam P, Jaafar WSWM, Sujud L, Bahzad J…….Cardil A & Chambers JQ (2024) Mangrove forest regeneration age map and drivers of restoration success in Gulf Cooperation Council countries from satellite imagery. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 28: 101345.
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Hsu, HH., & AlMealla, R. (2024). Conservation efforts in Bahrain. In: (eds) Jabado R, Morata AZA, Bennett RH, Finucci B, Ellis JR, Fowler S, Grant MI, Barbosa Martins AP, Sinclair SL., The Global Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras (pp. 1412-1416). Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Retrieved from
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AlMealla, RK (2023). Coral Reefs. In: The Ocean & Us. Obaidullah F (ed). Springer Nature, NL.
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Rashed AH, Yesilay G, Hazeem L, Rashdan S, AlMealla R, Kilinc Z, Ali F, Abdulrasool F, Kamel AH. Micro- and Nano-Plastics Contaminants in the Environment: Sources, Fate, Toxicity, Detection, Remediation, and Sustainable Perspectives. Water. 2023; 15(20):3535.
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AlMealla RK, Edullates E, McKew B, Hepburn LJ, Smith DJ & Taylor, ML (2025) Symbiodiniaceae diversity across thermal regimes and latitudinal gradients. In prep.
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AlMealla RK, Edullates & Hepburn LJ (2025) Status & Change in Coral Cover: History of 35 Years Through A Systematic Review of Three Bioregions. In prep.
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Burt, J.A., Range, P., Claerboudt, M., AlMealla, R., Salimi, P.A., Salimi, M.A., Ben-Hamadou R., Bolouki, M., Bouwmeester, J., Taylor O., Wilson, S. (2021) Status and trends of coral reefs of the ROPME Sea Area In: Status of coral reefs of the world: 2020 report. Souter, D., Planes, S., Wicquart, J., Logan, M., Obura, D., Staub, F. (eds). Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network
(GCRMN)/International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). Accessed via the following link:
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UNEP. (2016). GEO-6 Regional Assessment for West Asia. United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya. Accessed via the following link:
https://www.unep.org/resources/report/geo-6-global-environment-outlook-regional-assessment-west-asia
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Abedalhaleem, H., Naser, H.A., Alwasmi, N.., Salim, M.A., Alrumaidh, M., AlMealla, R, El-Moghrabi, L., AlShuaikh, B. (2017). The First Regional Red List Assessment of Selected Species in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Technical Report. Arab Regional Center for World Heritage & Supreme Council for Environment. Kingdom of Bahrain. Accessed via the following link: