National Unit for Oceanography and Marine Resources Management

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is establishing an excellence research centre entitled “National Unit for Oceanography and Marine Resources Management” for conducting research on oceanography, fisheries, and marine resources management. The establishment of this center is a development project under supervision of the General Secretariat of Supreme Council for Planning and Development. The implementation of the development plan that outlines Strategic Development Objectives is in accordance with the vision of his Highness the Amir, to transform Kuwait into a financial and economical hub under the Kuwait Vision for 2035 (“New Kuwait”). The plan takes into consideration 17 major sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations. One SDG in particular, “Life under the Sea”, targets conservation and sustainability of oceans and sea resources.

The project consists of the design and construction of premises containing specialized laboratories for oceanography and marine resources management. The building area is 3,000 m2 and consists of 34 laboratories and 25 offices and meeting rooms, in addition to other supporting services. The building is one of the main and integrated components for new units, comprising two new research vessels (“AlMostakshif” and “Bahith 1”), scientific equipment, and expansion of the KISR’s Marina. This unit will be an official research hub for decision makers with respect to the marine environment. The main objective of the unit is to improve the quality of life through conducting research and studies for development and supporting polices legislations, and laws for development and sustainable conservation of the marine environment.

Detailed designs for the laboratories and offices in the building were prepared by a German consulting office who have exceptional experience in laboratory designing. This was carried out in accordance with future requirements and strategic research planning for the Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Resources (EBMMR) research program. The architectural and structural designs were successfully completed with joint efforts of a local consulting office. The agreement prepared between KISR and the building contractor will be signed in the near future with a construction duration of 24 months.

The objectives that the project seeks to accomplish are:

• Integrated management for marine and coastal environment and optimum utilization of its resources.
• Monitoring of environmental and coastal parameters, and forecast impacts and solutions for remedies.
• Enhancement of economical return for fisheries resources, biodiversity conservation and an intact environment.