The Eco-diving AdventureRed Sea Diving Safari

Founded in 1990

The Eco-diving AdventureRed Sea Diving Safari

Founded in 1990

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My Dear Guest,

2010 marks 20 years since I began my exploration of the southern Red Sea. When I first arrived this region was frontier land with absolutely nothing but barren desert and fringing reef coastline. The pristine beauty of this exotic and hostile eco-system fascinated me.

The regions coastline appears as a tropical paradise with its white-sand beaches, coastal mangroves, and fringing coral reefs. Running parallel this azure blue coastline is a desert terrain of carved canyons and passages. Both eco-systems are teeming with life.

Intriguing in the stunning design of its coral reefs, the Red Sea’s eco-system sustains an overwhelming va-riety of marine flora and fauna. The Red Sea is home to over 200 different coral species, 1,000 invertebrate species, and 1,200 fish species, 10% of which are found nowhere else in the world.

This diversity is due in part to the fringing coral reef extending along the coastline, some of which is over 5,000 years old! The region has gained a very strong reputation amongst scuba divers because of its pris-tine reefs and diverse marine life. While off-shore boat diving is very popular, the nature of the coastline equally lends itself to remarkable shore-based diving.

Since I first explored this region I was always concerned with how this area would develop. I started looking for a model that could combine my passion for nature and diving with tourism development. Such a rich and diverse eco-system both marine and terrestrial makes this place the ideal location for such a tourism model. Sightings of spinner dolphins, dugongs, turtles, mantas, and sharks are a frequent occurrence for those venturing into these waters. Numerous islands are a short distance from the coast, which are beautiful for boat excursions and snorkeling. Some of these islands are protected areas and home to birds and turtles.

The indigenous “Ababda” tribes’ cohabitating the deserts offer great potential for cultural tourism. The abundance of wildlife here also offers potential for wildlife tourism. The desert is home to gazelle, the nubain ibex, the Hyrax and others. National parks such as Wadi el Gemal are featuring coastal mangroves which are home to many bird species such as the osprey and goliath heron. Geological tourism includes a variety of landscape, mines, and quarries. There are also many archeological sites dating back to the Ro-man times and many examples of rock art dating back to pre-historic times. In short, the region of the southern Red Sea offers immense potential for a tourism model based around the biological diversity, history and culture of the south.We represent an international network of divers and eco-tourists wich are commited to improving the environmental performance and competitivness of the egyptian tourism industry by promoting sustainable tourism planning.

Through our tourism model and strong business ethics Red Sea Diving Safari has grown into a world class diving destination. People from every corner of the world are visiting our villages to explore this region and learn about our efforts.

I would like to especially thank our valued guests who witnessed this dream grow throughout the years. It is only once or twice a year that we are together, but the memories of all those special adventures are always in the heart. It is our valued guests and partners who have made the adventure all that more special.

C.E.O. Red Sea Diving SafariHOSSAM HELMY

IntroductionThe Eco-diving Adventure

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Our Organization

Red Sea Diving Safari is made up of a team of industry professionals with many years of background in their particular field. Our team is acknowledged as the leaders of tourism and diving management in the southern Red Sea. Our services very diverse and we specialize in the following business fields:

1 Tourism and Hotel Management 2 Diving Center Management 3 Media and Publication 4 Regional Consultation 5 Marketing and Businesses Development Planning 6 Marketing Research 7 Sustainable Management Planning

Hossam HelmyChairman of Red Sea Diving Safari

Mohammed HossamBoard of DirectorManaging Director

Abdullah MohammedBoard of DirectorFinancial ControllerHuman Resources Manager

Ebtesam HelmyBoard of DirectorFood & Beverage Manager

Yasmine EzzatBoard of DirectorCorporate Development

Hassan El TalawiGeneral Administration Manager

Ross McGrathBoard of DirectorWadi Lahami Village Manager

Julien SteinBoard of Director Diving Manager

Manal MounerResevation & Credit Manager

Rami Abdelmoneim Board of Director Marketing Manager

Mohamed M. SamyNakari Village Manager

Ahmed MaherExecutive Diving Manager

Ahmed BastawyShagra Village Diving Operations Manager

Ahmed GamalPioneer Divers Diving Operations Manager

Rafik FaroukBoard of DirectorHotel & Hospitality Manager

Board of DirectorsThe Eco-diving Adventure

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Marsa Shagra

It was at Marsa Shagra where we pioneered our “unlimited diving” concept, which gives our divers a real sense of exploration and adventure. Buddy teams are allowed to sign out on a white board and take a speed boat for various designated dive profiles within our house reef. We have found that this diving operation allows our guests to feel that sense of adventure that we become so famous for.

Alternatively, we are also departing twice a day by mini bus to explore some of the other bays near the village. Our special high-performance RIB’s can also be taken to off-shore reefs such as Elphinstone or Shaab Abu Dabab. It’s a lot of variety for all level of divers.

“Our long term vision is for Marsa Shagra to be dedicated as a conservation and heritage center, which will celebrate the southern Red Sea’s pristine eco-system and natural heritage. This project will be the first of its kind in the whole of the Red Sea and an entirely new tourism concept.

Our conservation and heritage center is due to be completed before end of 2011 and the culmination of my life’s work.”

Marsa ShagraThe Eco-diving Adventure

Tent: standard twin occupancy tent with electricity outlet. Communal bathroom fa-cilities are in the vicinity.

Royal Tent: large twin occupancy tents with fan, mini-bar, and seating area both inside and outside. Communal bathroom facilities are in the vicinity.

the diving shade

cafeteriarestaurant

Shagra bay

jetty and speed boat

chalet

unlimited divingAccommodation (all-inclusive)

Our villages are small because we maintain a minimal-impact policy towards the environment. The maximum occupancy in Shagra is 220 people and our guests take advantage of an exclusive expe-rience. Our villages are simple and elegant with traditional eastern style domed architecture. Every guest room enjoys an unobstructed sea view and Shagra features 4 accommodation types.

Hut: twin occupancy stonewall hut moder-nly furnished with communal bathroom facilities in the vicinity.

Chalet: twin occupancy guest rooms. Chalets are modernly furnished with bathroom facilities and also feature a ter-race with seating area. Chalet with mini-bar and A/C is optional.

Diving Program

- Unlimited Diving- Diving by RIB- Daily Boat Diving

royal tent

relaxing area

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Marsa NakariThe Eco-diving Adventure

Marsa Nakari

During the times of the Roman Empire several trade routes connected the Mediterranean world with the Far East. This trade was carried on for many centuries through the Red Sea ports onto the Nile. From here goods were carried overland to the Mediterranean ports of the Roman Empire. Records show that this route was also taken in reverse to as far as the Indian Ocean.

Roman historians refer to 6 main ports along the Red Sea coastline; Clysma, Myos Hormos, Philoteras, Leu-kos Limen, Nechesia and Berenice. Thanks to the hard works of a few archeologists, we now have extensive information and the exact locations of these ancient ports. In 1992 we first explored the beautiful bay of Marsa Nakari and in 1995 decided to establish our sec-ond operation there. The location seemed ideal for our diving operation because it was very near to a variety of off-shore dive sites including Samadai.

What made this location unique were the remains of an ancient ruin on top of a hill towards the southern end of the bay. We later discovered that this site was the ancient Roman port of Nechesia. The ruins indicate that the port was built of anhydrite gypsum blocks, which must have given the town a very bright appearance. The entire complex covers an area approximately 177-191m north to south by 55m east to west. There is indication from the ruins and general layout that this was a militarized Roman port. This expansive and sheltered bay would have been an ideal station for Roman ships traveling their long journeys to the Far East. Excavations that began in 1999 have unearthed hundreds of beads, pottery, oil lamps, glass and alloy nails, and nearly a dozen Roman coins. The results of this study have been partly published in the Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 38; 2001:77-78. This was a day of discovery and great fortune for the Red Sea Diving Safari team. Many other days such as these would follow as we continue to explore the region and learn about its history.

the diving shade

Nakari bay

jetty and speed boatcafeteria the daily boat

nechasiaDaily Boat Diving: we offer a daily boat diving program to some of the popular dive sites in the south. Trips are usually departing in the morning for 2 dives and the boat returns to the village in the evening time.

Unlimited Diving Package: buddy teams can sign out at their convenience and take a R.I.B for 6 designated dive patterns on our house reef. This package also offers 2 guided dives per day outside the village. Tanks and weights included.

Diving by RIB: our high-performance RIB’s can be booked for diving excursions to the local off-shore sites. Each one of our villages offers various sites to choose from and this is the ideal way to enjoy traditional boat diving while being land-based.

Diving Program

Accommodation (all-inclusive)

- Tent- Royal Tent- Hut- Chalet

daily boat

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kite surfKite : Red Sea Diving Safari welcomes beginners and ex-perienced kite surfers with their own equipment. We offer rescue and storage services on site.

Desert Adventures: spend magical moments exploring the desert by car, quad, camel or horse. Choose from trips to Shalateen, Astronomy Tours, Bedouin encounters, land sailing and overnight desert safaris. www.redseadesertadventures.com

goliath heron

Wadi Lahami

Every now and then I get the sudden sensation of having to get away from everyone and everything. It’s this felling that brought me to the south in the first place, so it doesn’t really surprise me… I know it’s time to head to Lahami.

Shagra and Nakari have witnessed considerable development in recent times, but Lahami still remains very small.

Diving here is of course by RIB to the magnificent Fury Shoal reefs. These reefs are probably the most pristine dive sites in the whole of the Red Sea.

One of the most unique aspects of Lahami is the mangrove area just north of the village. Many waders and shore birds are living and nesting here and it’s a beautiful site to bird watch. You can always expect to see ospreys which are nesting here year round.

Some of the more common birds are the White Heron, Night Heron, Striated Heron and sometimes the Spoonbill. The Sooty Falcon is common in the summer as well as the White-eyed Gull, and the White-cheeked and Caspian tern. Sometimes we are even fortunate enough to see Flamingos including the Pink Flamingo. In fall and spring thousands of small birds like Swallows, Stonechats, Pipits, Wagtails and Kingfisher can be seen.

I consider this area one Egypt’s last frontiers and an extremely valuable natural resource. Every diver should visit Lahami once in their life and see for themselves what the reefs of the Red Sea looked like 20 years ago.

Wadi LahamiThe Eco-diving Adventure

the speed boat

Wadi Lahami bay

the mangrove

Snorkeling: our villages are ideal for snorkeling and free diving due to our beautiful reefs and abundance of marine life.

Bird Watching: Wadi Lahami has recently be-come very popular with bird watchers due to many different species being observed in the neighboring mangroves. These include the os-prey, white heron, night heron, striated heron and sometimes the spoonbill. The sooty falcon is common in the summer as well as the white-eyed gull, and the white-cheeked and caspian tern. In fall and spring thousands of small birds like swallows, stonechats, pipits, wagtails and kingfisher can be seen.

Accommodation (all-inclusive)

- Tent- Royal Tent- Chalet

Diving Program

- Diving by RIB

Activities

kite lagoon

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Pioneer DiversThe Eco-diving Adventure Pioneer Divers

beach

diving centerKahramana pool

snorkeling and diving

Pioneer DiversIDC PADI CENTER

Pioneer Divers is our diving management company, offering our partners the same professional and high quality diving services we have become so famous for. Our team can provide you with diving management services including; consultation and diving operations management. We also offer all our partners use of our house-reefs and RIB’s to enjoy the same easy access to diving hot-spots like Elphinstone.

Since 2000 our team has been managing the diving and watersport center of Kahramana Resort and Calimera Habiba Beach Resort. The resorts are considered some of the best in the south and they of-fer luxury 5 star hotel facilities like swimming pools, animation, bars, disco’s, restaurants and private beaches.

We offer the following diving courses

- PADI: Bubblemakers, Open Water to Assistant Instructor. (children from age 8; available im all locations).- PADI: Nitrox Courses EANx up till 32%, Discover Scuba Diving (available in all locations).

Pioneer Divers offers a variety of sites by land or sea

- Daily diving trips- Diving by RIB/boat- Daily snorkeling trips - Snorkeling trips by boat

courses

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Conservation EffortsThe Eco-diving Adventure

Conservation Efforts

Eco-diving is what we refer to as an environmentally friendly and educative diving concept. This is a rare and unforgettable experience where nature lovers engage in exciting team work and learn about marine biology and underwater eco-systems.

Our team not only believes in enforcing environmentally friendly diving practices, but also the need to generate awareness about the threats that reef eco-systems and marine life are facing. We are also very active in promoting and organizing conservation efforts. Below is a list of our efforts;

RSDS Environmentally Friendly Diving Practices: •Environmentally oriented dive briefings •Zero tolerance for irresponsible and careless diving •Minimizing disturbance to marine life / abso lutely no touching allowed •Maximum number of house-reef dives no greater than its carrying capacity

Initiating and Supporting Environmental Protection Projects: •Participation in the creation of a Marine Park in Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House) •Participation in protection of Marsa Abu Dabab, namely Dugong & Turtle Populations •Shark protection and monitoring campaign •Monitoring and reporting violation of governoate rules •Participation in Marsa Alam’s solid waste treat ment plan •Supporting implementation of mooring systems & reporting mooring status to HEPCA •Carrying out reef surveys through Reef Check and Bleach Watch •Identifying and documenting fish population abundance through Fish Watch

Eco- Diving Program: •Reef Check – Stephan Moldzio •Marine Biology Workshop – Stephan Moldzio •Fish Watch - Patrick Louisy •Sharkschool – Dr. Erich Ritter •Bleach Watch Egypt – HEPCA •Marine Video Workshop & Conservation – Jeff Goodman

Supporting Environmental Protection and Responsible Diving Agencies: •Member of HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Agency) •Ambassador Center of Longitude 181 (publisher of the Responsible Diver guidelines) •Member of Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Watersports •Official Reef Check Sponsor

How Can You Help?We need the support of our guests to conserve the extremely delicate resources of the region. Here is a list of things you can do to support our efforts and help protect the Red Sea.

•Help us reduce plastic waste by purchasing an RSDS cooler bottle upon arrival and re- filling it throughout your stay at the many water dispensers around the village •Please shorten your showers and don’t leave water needlessly running •Re-use your towels and leave them on the floor if you would like them to be replaced •Don’t litter and please make sure to dispose of all waste properly •If you find litter pick it up and dispose of it in our bins •Visit Bubbles Oxygen Bar to learn about our eco-diving workshops and efforts •Visit Bawadi Coffee shop to support the local Bedouins and learn about their heritage •Report any violations of environmental laws to our management staff •Register on our website and stay updated with our efforts www.redsea-divingsafari.com

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Founding of HEPCAThe Eco-diving Adventure

Founding of HEPCA

In 1992 members of the diving community founded a non-governmental organization called HEPCA. Their primary objectives were the protection and conservation of marine ecology and the underwater environment of the Red Sea. HEPCA is today considered the Red Sea’s foremost authority in deve-loping sustainable management strategies. One of HEPCA’s first projects was the installation and maintenance of a mooring system for the Red Sea reefs. The project has evolved into the largest mooring system in the world with over 1000 moo-rings points throughout the Red Sea. HEPCA is heavily involved in awareness raising activities, activism, marine research, and even solid waste management systems. HEPCA’s lobbying efforts have resulted in more than 30 laws and de-crees being established including the 1998 ban on shark fishing in the Red Sea. Their work in collaboration with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) has ensured that laws protecting the Red Sea’s eco-system are being enforced. They have designated many precious diving areas as marine protectorates or national parks, which are policed and safeguarded by the Red Sea Rangers.

The Red Sea Diving Safari team is delighted to share the stories of our triumphs against the indus-trialization machine. We hope it will inspire you to involve yourself and stand up before it’s too late.

HEPCA’s lobbying efforts have resulted in more than 30 laws and decrees being established including the 1998 ban on shark fishing in the Red Sea.

Yearly clean up Event with HEPCA

Solid Waste Management PlantMarsa Alam

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Marsa Abu DabbabThe Eco-diving Adventure

At conclusion of this project Amr Ali, Man-aging Director of HEPCA stated:

“the plan represents a collaboration of an unprecedented kind. This case is revo-lutionary for the Red Sea and the diving industry here. For once, everyone seems to have got their priorities right. This is not about money, about competition, or about being forced to act by law. Protecting the environment is everyone’s concern and for the first time, at Abu Dabab, we are all working together on this. This shows great promise for the future, and shows that the diving and tourism industry has the potential to be self-regulatory here.”

Marsa Abu Dabab

Marsa Abu Dabab is considered one of the most popular bays in the southern Red Sea. The bay has been the cen-ter of international interest because of its resident Dugong and Giant Green Turtles.

Dugongs spend most of their life in the shallow coastal areas grazing on sea grass beds. These slow-moving mam-mals reach up to four meters in length and can weigh up to 1,000 kilograms. Marsa Abu Dabbab is home to one of the largest patches of sea grass in the region. These sea grass beds are of enormous ecological impor-tance and sustain an overwhelming amount of marine life.

Estimates put the total Dugong population at 4,000 in the whole of the Red Sea, with only 7 docu-mented along the southern Red Sea coastline. The dugong is considered an endangered species and is currently among the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In recent years dugongs have been steadily retreating from their Red Sea coast because of tourist development. Eutrophication from industrial run-off and habitat destruction constitute the 2 greatest threats to the Dugongs of the Red Sea.

The Dugongs and Turtles of Marsa Abu Dabab are also disturbed by the many hundreds of divers, snor-kelers, and swimmers that are visiting the bay every day. The bay is shared by 3 resorts that collectively make up about 900 rooms. In high season months it is common to find up to 500 visitors per day.

dugong

In late 2007, HEPCA created and successfully implemented a management strategy for Marsa Abu Dabbab. A zoning line preventing boat traffic inside the bay was subsequently installed. Boats were no longer permitted to bring divers or snorkelers inside the bay, limiting the number of users per day. The Rangers began to actively patrol the bay ensuring that the animals were not molested.

Scientific research and data collection was also initiated, as well as an awareness raising campaign to educate divers and guests alike.

The Giant Green Turtles of Marsa Abu Dabbab are also at risk due to certain human influences. They also suffer from the stress of the tourist crowds and the destruction of their habitat.

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Shaab SamadaiThe Eco-diving Adventure

The Samadai Project

Beginning in 2001 Dolphin house became the center of “dolphin frenzy.” Hundreds of people traveled from as far as Hurgahda to play with the resident spinner dolphins of Samadai.

In a single day Samadai was hosting up to 30 boats and 500-800 people. Inexperienced snorkelers were coming in close proximity to the lagoon with no regard to the resting dolphins. Tourist activities were begin-ning to cause pressures on the dolphin, which led to a visible decrease of the population in a very short time.

In the summer of 2001 a boat caught fire near the reef and the situation had become unbearable for the dolphins of Samadai. Immediate action had to be taken to protect this precious sanctuary.

We were in contact with a French Marine Biologist named Patrick Louisy and he came to visit us with a group of his students. He created a detailed report after his study and a zoning plan for the site. We personally pre-sented the findings to our governor and were able to convince him to implement the plan. The management plan was eventually signed by the governor, HEPCA, the Red Sea Diving Association, and the EEAA.

The maximum capacity for the site was set at 10 boats and 100-150 visitors per day. The site management plan focuses on 7 main targets.

1. Implementing a zoning plan for the sheltered area to create a restricted zone for; (a) the exclusive use of the dolphins (b) snorkeling activities (c) boat mooring (d) diving

2. Establishing a best practice guidelines3. Implement a proper monitoring program4. Restricting the day time use for visitors (10:00 am 2:00 pm) 5. Implement a service fee system6. Strengthen law enforcement process7. Implement a public awareness program

Today the dolphins of Samadai live a care-free life in harmony with the daily visiting tourists.

It’s an amazing and truly fulfill-ing experience to be able to interact with these animals in their natural habitat. We con-sider the Samadai project a model of sustainable develop-ment planning, which should be adopted all over the world.

spinner dolphins

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Elphinstone ReefThe Eco-diving Adventure

Elphinstone

Elphinstone never fails to deliver and it should be no surprise that it is ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the whole world. This reef is a sanctuary for a variety of pelagic species including; oceanic white tip, white and black tip reef shark, scalloped hammerhead, tiger shark, grey reef shark, silver tip shark, and many others.

This 375m oblong shaped reef is located approximately 6km from the coastline. The reef is angled slightly to the north, which usually causes a current over the northern and southern plateaus. Some sharks frequent the area seasonally and over the years we have tracked oceanic white tip from September to November and scalloped hammerhead from June to August. In March during plankton season it is not uncommon to see mantas and sometimes even whale sharks.

In recent years the site has become one of the most popular dives in the Red Sea. It is in the standard route for any of the live-aboard companies operating in the region. The amount of tourism activity here in recent years is starting to become a concern. Aside from its uniqueness as a sanctuary for an abundance of pelagic species, this natural resource is generating our country a significant amount of money. It is estimated that one shark alone brings about $120,000 from tourists each year.

Since 2008 our team has implemented a shark monitoring program in Elphinstone. Our dive guides have all been trained to recognize shark species and there characteristics. During our briefing we encourage our guest to make a note of the sharks they see. After every dive we collect the data and fill out a standard form which includes questions about; species, sex, size, and exact location. The information is then uploaded to our database for further research.

Beginning in June of 2008 the Red Sea Rangers conducted a 6 month study of human impact on sharks at various dive sites in the Red Sea. These sites included; Elphinstone Reef, Daedalus Reef, Big Brother Island, Small Brother Island, Zabargad Island, Rocky Island and Habili Ali. In total they spent 194 hours of field study and made 138 dives. 5 different species of shark were encountered in 110 of these dives and a total of 292 specimens were recorded.

oceanic white tip shark

Their report sums it up pretty well;

“The frequency of encounters in Elphinstone Reef is con-siderably lower than in the other study areas. Human presence was recorded during almost all the dives: 134 cases on the total of 138 dives, with a presence of a to-tal of 971 boats and 15,601 divers. Both the mean num-ber of divers and the mean number of boats recorded for each dive are higher for Elphinstone Reef than in the other study sites. In Elphinstone Reef the high amount of boats is also widely distributed for the entire area, making it impossible for the sharks to avoid human pres-ence. The massive human presence in Elphinstone Reef is negatively affecting the presence of sharks and may also increase the probabilities attacks on humans may occur. The amount and conduct of boats of divers and boats frequenting this site need to be regulated by ap-propriate rules. It is therefore urgently necessary Elphin-stone Reef is declared a protected area.”

Human Impacts on Presence of Sharks at Diving Sites of the Southern Red Sea, EgyptAhmed M. Shawky, Alessandro De Maddalena

whale shark

manta ray

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The Fury ShoalsThe Eco-diving Adventure

The Fury Shoals

If you would like to know how the Red Sea cor-als looked like 20 years ago, a dive trip to the Fury Shoals will show you just that. Everybody privileged to dive here has told me that this reef topography can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

The Fury Shoals can only be described as a lab-yrinth of sheer coral canyons. Some of the dive sites here are like a maze that you can easily become lost in if you are not careful.

The Fury Shoals reef complex covers an area of approximately 60 square kilometers and there are approximately 25 different sites spread out over this area.

For the last 20 years our team has conducted the most extensive mapping of the Fury Shoal reef complex. Our diving operation in Lahami is specializing in trips to the Fury Shoals and has many years of experience diving this reef complex.

We have attempted as best we could to keep the Fury Shoals inconspicuous, as we feel it’s the last true representation of what the Red Sea used to look like. The sites remoteness has kept it protected for now, but development projects have began springing up as tourism heads south. The recent building of a port in Hamata and the subsequent development of this small town will soon put the Fury Shoals complex in the spotlight.

As development continues we must begin to formu-late a management plan for the Fury Shoals reefs. Over the years we have actively tried to protect these reefs through various means. Besides sharing this in-formation with our guests, we have produced publica-tions and other media in an effort to disseminate this information. We are conducting Reef Check surveys at some assigned reefs, which are the first RC sur-veys that have been carried out in this site. Our team in Lahami attempted to implement a mooring system for the most frequented dive sites, but because of the sites vast range this has proven to be a challenge.

The work that is so far being done here is crucial and the coming generation now has the task of protecting one of Egypt’s most precious resources.

nudi branch

Abu galawa wreck

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The Red Sea’s Solid Waste Management System

In early 2008 HEPCA developed a solid waste management system for the Red Sea in cooperation with USAID, the EEAA, the National Parks of Egypt, the Association for the Protection of the Environment (APE), and private investors. This Waste Management Strategy was a major step forward in our efforts to maintain a healthy eco-system for the Red Sea.

Solid waste management plantMarsa Alam

Solid waste management plantMarsa Alam

Recycling FactoryThe Eco-diving Adventure

Many responsible investors in Hurgahada and Marsa Alam voluntarily joined the effort and built waste rooms for their garbage collection. HEPCA’s trucks are reliably transporting and collecting waste two times a day. The waste is separated into organic or non-organic and appropriately processed. Aside from the collection and recycling of waste, the project has also provided employment opportunities to the local community. Further employment and income is also generated through the selling of recyclable material.

It is estimate that over 500 tons of rubbish is generated every day in Hurghada alone. Before HEPCA initiated its waste management strategy these 500 tons of waste ended up in either the desert or the sea.

This garbage ends up killing many creatures sometimes slowly and painfully through entanglement or choking. Plas-tic bags especially pose great danger to some of the most precious marine species such as turtles, dolphins, and sharks that may die after swallowing a plastic bag. Coral reefs in some areas have also been smothered by bags that end up in the sea.

Because of more than 10 years of accumulated hotel waste there are still many areas in the desert littered in gar-bage. It is estimated that it takes up to 1,000 years for plastic bags to fully decompose back into the earth. Many of the wadi in the south are covered in garbage that must be removed without delay. The last time these wadis flooded was in 1996 and it is said that this phenomena occurs every 8-9 years. If this were to happen any time soon, 10 years of accumulated garbage along the entire coastline would end up in the sea. This can’t be allowed!

January 1, 2009 is a historic day in which we achieved a great victory for the Red Sea. Red Sea Governor Magdi Kobeicy issued a plastic ban decree in a move that was long overdue. Lots of cleaning in the desert still remains to be completed but at least we have stopped one of the main sources of the problem.

We ask you to please do your part by collecting trash and placing it in a proper bin.

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SharkschoolThe Eco-diving Adventure

Sharkschool

We first met Chief Scientist of the Shark Research Institute Dr. Erich Ritter in April of 2006. His message immediately resonated with us and we decided to organize our first Sharkschool workshop in November of 2006.

Educating divers about animal behavior is an important element in marine life protection. We will not protect something we fear, and so eradicating myths and fears about alleged dangerous animals is very important.

The underlying theme of Erich’s program is to make people aware that there is no such thing as shark attacks, only shark accidents. There are no danger-ous sharks, only dangerous situations, knowingly or unknowingly created by humans because they do not understand shark behavior.

It is estimated that over 100 million sharks are killed each year because of their fins, as by-catch, or through “sport” fishing. In the past 20 to 30 years shark populations have dropped by 70% and nearly half of the world’s sharks are threatened with extinction. Fishers from all over the world catch and trade sharks for their lucrative fins. Finning as it is called is a horrific practice where the shark is finned alive and then the carcass thrown overboard and left to drown. The fins are used to make shark fin soup, a tasteless soup which has no health benefit whatsoever. This soup is a popular delicacy all over Asia, Thailand, and China.

Industrial long-lining poses the second greatest threat to the sharks and many other species. These industrial fishing lines are hundreds of miles long and strung with baited hooks. Sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins, whales, sea lions and marlins get caught on the hooks and eventually drown. These animals are then discarded by the fishermen when the line is brought in.

What makes these practices absurd is the wastefulness that takes place. 90% of the shark is discarded after fining and most of the unusable catch on the long line is also discarded.

Research shows the disappearance of shark species could lead to the demise of other species, by upsetting the natural balance in the world’s oceans. Sharks are at the top of the food chain and essential for the survival of our oceans delicate eco-system. Many efforts to protect sharks have been taken by such organizations as Shark Proj-ect and HEPCA. The international community has rallied to this call and supported our ef-forts.

April 2006 was a great victory for the sharks of the Red Sea. The Red Sea Governate en-acted a law prohibiting shark fishing, which made Egypt one of the first countries to ban the practice. The Red Sea governate received an award by Shark Project during BOOT Show 2006 for this great achievement.

“You’re told your whole life since you were a kid that sharks are dangerous. You are warned about venturing too far into the ocean. But then finally you’re underwater and you see the thing that you have been told your whole life to fear and its perfect. It doesn’t want to hurt you and it’s the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and your whole world changes.”

Paul Watson - Sharkwater

Sharkwise

In November of 2008 Red Sea Diving Safari was privileged to be involved in a new documentary film called Shark-wise featuring Marc Sluzny and Dr. Erich Ritter. This ground-breaking documentary film was released in March of 2009.

The premise of this documentary movie is Marc’s new adventure diving with sharks in Mozambique. As a prelude to the Mozambique trip Marc and Erich met in Marsa Shagra for some diving with Oceanic White Tips at Elphinstone. Erich spent 3 days preparing and training Marc for his shark encounters and interaction in South Africa.

What’s so unique about the film is that it all began as another one of Marc’s wild adventures. Somewhere along the line it becomes an eye-opening experience as Marc realizes the dangers these beautiful animals are facing. After diving and interacting with various shark species Marc realizes that sharks are paying the price for our misunder-standing of them.

Finning, long-lining, and hunting are all practices that endanger sharks and may eventually lead to the extinction of these animals. It is scary to imagine what kind of catastrophic havoc this may have on our oceans and seas. We can’t allow this to happen and must act now to save sharks world-wide.

The fact it seems is that we are the vicious monsters we have portrayed the sharks to be…

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Video Workshop

Red Sea Diving Safari recently introduced a video & video editing workshop by award winning cameraman Jeff Goodman. Jeff Goodman has over thirty years experience as a cameraman and director working globally in wildlife and underwater camera work. Jeff’s credits include working for the BBC, Channel 4, National Geo-graphic, Discovery USA and Discovery Europe amongst many others.

During a long career which has taken Jeff to some of the most remote and un-spoilt landscapes and marine environments in the world; he saw for himself the damage to the environment and made a decision to do something about it. Conservation began to play an important part in Jeff’s life and it’s that element that inspires him to show people how wonderful, unique, and delicate the underwater ecosystem is through the eyes of the lens.

This exciting workshop is designed for both advanced users and enthusiastic beginners and is aimed at im-proving the art of good underwater video production, while realizing the incredible wealth and diversity of our planet’s marine life. The courses are very flexible and can be tailored to fit individual requirements from the absolute beginner to the semi professional. Having first of all assessed the standard of each participant be it beginner or more advanced, Jeff talks in some depth on how to get the best out of your camera. Jeff shows you how to film marine life in terms of technical quality as well as understanding how to get the most from a reef or wreck in terms of animal behavior.

The workshop will take you through the practical side of good camera techniques, story creation, sequence structure, editing, script and much more. The workshop also shows you how to watch for wildlife behavior and suitable filming locations.

This course allows our guests a platform to help us raise awareness about the serious environmental issues and become involved in producing their own videos. It’s part of our agenda to engage and involve our guests in raising awareness.

Video WorkshopThe Eco-diving Adventure

Jeff Goodman

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Fish WatchThe Eco-diving Adventure

Blackfin barracuda

Fish Watch

Patrick Louisy is one of our most senior Marine Biologists and the founder of Peau-Bleue, an organization which offers a scientific approach to teach divers about marine life and ecology.

As a regular Red Sea Diving Safari guest and friend, Patrick shares special lectures with our guests about how marine life live together in symbiosis and how two completely different species benefit from each other. It’s a very interesting series of lectures that our guests have come to enjoy very much.

Over the years Patrick has created a program called Fish Watch, which allows our guests to become involved in identifying fish species and documenting their existence in our reef. This method allows us to collect reli-able scientific data that we plan to use for scientific reports and publications. Our guests can become actively involved in gathering field observations and thus participating in Red Sea Diving Safari’s reef health monitor-ing program.

During the program we learn how to identify fish, distinguish families, tell apart males from females, and adults from juvenile, etc. By the time the course is complete you will be experienced enough to start recording species you encounter during your dives. You can then help implement the fish species lists for different reef habitats and thus contribute to the Fish Watch program.

The scientific goals of the workshop are to create a listing of fish species present in the different reef habitats of Marsa Shagra (outer and inner reef, reef flat, reef front and drop-off, caves, sandy bottom, sea grass, etc.) The data will also help us compare fish populations in the different reef habitats. Fish species identification also leads to comparing fish assemblages in different reef habitats. The use of a “qualitative” presence index (species accidental, rare but normally present, abundant or always pres-ent) will help assessing what species are characteristic of each habitat.

Whatever your previous knowledge, you’ll be surprised to see how fast you can progress. The only required skill is a bit of passion! Help Red Sea Diving Safari in their conservation of the Red Sea by participating in our Fish Watch workshop.

Cuttle fish

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Reef CheckThe Eco-diving Adventure

Reef Check

Reef Check is the world’s largest international coral reef monitoring program and the United Nations of-ficial reef monitoring program. Reef Check is dedicated to global coral reef education, monitoring, and management by involving recreational divers and experienced marine scientists in community based team work and research.

During February 20 - 22, 2009 the first Reef Check Eco-Diver course was conducted at Marsa Shagra. It was an amazing experience for us to see and identify such a rich variety of marine life. The valuable information that we gathered will help us to determine the health of our reef and the negative effects of human impact.

Our long term goal is to expand the monitoring program to all the most popular reefs of the south, in order to quantify reef health as tourism development continues to increase.

Our Reef Check Team Scientist is a Marine Biologist named Stephan Moldzio, who studied Marine Biol-ogy at the IFM-GEOMAR in Germany. The course consists of a general introduction about coral reefs and about the goals and methods of Reef Check. This is followed by a fish ID presentation, invertebrate ID presentation, and a substrate ID presentation. Practical exercises help us remember these indicators species, which we will be collecting information about during our surveys.

Our first survey was conducted just outside of the house reef on the northern side. “There are over 165 documented fish spe-cies for Marsa Shagra and the high species diversity and spe-cies abundances are promising interesting results for our long-term reef monitoring program.” The substrate survey showed a coral density of 39% in 7.4m and 50% in 3.5m depth. This data can be found in the Reef Check database.

In December of 2009 we will be conducting the first ever survey of the Fury Shoals Reef. Help Red Sea Diving Safari in their conservation of the Red Sea by participating in our Reef Check program.

Stephan Moldzioteam scientist

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Marine Biology WorkshopThe Eco-diving Adventure

RSDS Marine Biology Workshop

As a way to promote interest in marine biology and research, the Red Sea Diving Safari team created a ma-rine biology workshop as part of our eco-diving program. We offer our guests an interactive and scientifically based adventure through our eco-diving program.

Together with other nature lovers you can learn about marine biology and underwater eco-systems. This is a rare and unforgettable experience where we engage in exciting team work and share our passion and knowl-edge about the Red Sea.

The Marine Biology Workshop was developed by our Reef Check Scientific Leader Mr. Stephan Moldzio. This 4 day workshop consists of eco-diving followed by observation of algae, invertebrates, crustaceans and plank-ton specimens under a stereomicroscope. In the evening we hear lectures by Stephan about coral reef ecol-ogy and preservation.

Guests have told us that the best part of the workshop was all the diving followed by observation of specimens under the stereomicroscope. Here is a small summary of the experience by one of our staff members;

“We began our eco-dive on the north reef and were quickly distracted by a lovely school of Barracuda. You can always ex-cept to see something wonderful diving in our house reef. We carefully selected our rock and sand sample and proceeded back to the shore. The team couldn’t wait to begin studying the specimens under the stereomicro-scope. It was an amazing experience to see this microscopic world so full of life. Many guests participated and we documented many different specimens. Stephen then connected the microscope to his PC so we could project the image on his screen and take pictures.

At the end of the day we released every-thing back into the sea and prepared for our night dive. We then collected plankton samples and observed nocturnal marine life. Stephen’s lectures are a wonderful conclusion to this wonderful workshop!”

Observation of specimens under the stereomicroscope.

Stereomicroscope

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Bedouin TribesThe Eco-diving Adventure

Bedouin Tribes

There are 2 indigenous tribes living around the southern Red Sea and eastern Desert, the Ababda and Bis-hariya. Both tribes are descendants of the Beja Tribe which were living as nomadic herdsmen for hundreds of year. They were recognized as skilled herders, camel breeders, and guides for merchant and pilgrim cara-vans. Their desert tracking skills are legendary and they don’t carry compasses nor navigate by the stars, but instead orient themselves by the mountains or use wind direction and the sun.

Some Bedouins still lead a nomadic lifestyle, constantly on the move in search of water and pasture for their livestock and collecting plants for food, medicine, and trade. Their main source of income is their livestock of goats, sheep, and camels and they exchange livestock for other goods including corn, beans, dates, linen, leather, and other commodities.

Apart from black sugar rich tea, their most common social drink is ‘Gabena’, which is hand roasted coffee beans ground with ginger. Bread makes up the main dish of their diet made from flour, salt, and water in firewood, called ‘gurs’, or baked on an iron plate into thin pancakes called ‘fetir’. The bread is mixed with sour goat milk or fat.

The Ababda live in small huts built of matting from the leaves of the dompalm. The mats are stretched over a frame of long curved acacia sticks and fastened by wooden skewers. The lower interior and exterior of the hut are covered by blankets and hand woven woolen carpets.

The inhospitable environment they occupy has kept their culture immune from outside influences and their ways of life has remained virtually unchanged for nearly 4,000 years! Sadly this way of life has recently un-dergone a major transformation in just 2 decades.

Today the Ababda live partly in small settlements along the coast, and partly as isolated families in the moun-tains. Due to a drought in the region that has lasted nearly a decade, these nomadic tribes have been forced to settle closer to the coast. The advent of tourism de-velopment and more government intervention has also forced them to begin living in settlements. Unsustain-able tourism practices continue to marginalize these local residents, and their cultural heritage & traditions are now being threatened by the intrusion of modern civilization.

RSDS is actively working to counter this problem through a number of community development initiatives in col-laboration with HEPCA. Some of these Bedouins have been educated and are now acting as tour guides and hosts, promoting their culture and way of life. HEPCA has been supporting their skills in handcrafts and embroidery and

established 2 handicraft centers in Shallateen and Hamata. The centers offer professional train-ing in branding, marketing, and enhancement of their products. HEPCA’s long-term plans include many initiatives that seek to in-tegrate the Bedouins into the tourism industry, while allowing them to continue living in their traditional ways.

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Red Sea Desert AdventuresThe Eco-diving Adventure

Desert Sail The sailing area is a wide desert plain with excellent wind conditions. While you are having a break, the local Becouins prepare tea, coffee and cold drinks in their guesthouse.

Sunset TourWe start this trip in the afternoon and arrive after a 20 minutes drive at the guesthouse. Here you enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins and they will prepare Bedu-style coffee, tea and bread. A short camel ride will give you a taste of their way of travelling. Not far away is a well where they water their goats, sheep and camels.

The Gold TourThis is a half-day trip to the ancient goldmines in the desert. On this excursion we research ancient history, confront ourselves with local environment and experience the beauty of the desert. From Nakari Bay we follow Wadi Anba Ut to the west. Near the shore there are the remains of a roman harbour which was the starting point for the caravan route we are partially following on this trip. Along the track we see different roman min-ing settlements where milling stones can be found. We also visit an old well with hieroglyphic rock drawings dating back to the Ptolemaic times. In the shade of an acacia tree the Bedouins will prepare refreshments such as tea and coffee.

The Red Sea Desert Adventures

The Eastern Desert of Egypt; miles and miles of unexplored virgin mountains and wadis. This expanse of rocks, sand and occasional vegetation has witnessed the rise and fall of many ancient civilizations over the centuries.

Red Sea Desert Adventures offers you the opportunity to visit the Eastern Desert by car, camel or hiking. All our tours are led by the local Bedouins called Ababda. Red Sea Desert Adventures works with the local Bed-ouin tribes for the regional development of tourism.

Our program offer nature tours, landscape tours, historic tours to old Roman/Ptolemaic sites, cultural tours, camel riding/hiking, as well as astronomical excursions.

www.redseadesertadventures.com

ShelatinShelatin is the most important tribal market in this part of southern Egypt and it is a melting-pot of different cultures. Sudanese bring camels and handmade items to trade for goods not available in their country. You will meet the Rashaid, a wealthy beduoin tribe completely dressed in violet who are the main camel breeders. The Bishari and the Ababda are tribes that have their origins further south. Little shops are spread out over the market area with an incredible amount of goods. The trip to Shelatin is a three hour drive. Please wear appropriate clothing that is loose and covering the shoulders and below the knees. These people are not used to our way of life and might get very offended by disrespectful clothing.

Astro Tour The Astronomy Center of Marsa Alam is unique in Egypt. Built in the mountains of the desert it is undisturbed by noise or light from the nearby hotels.Our tours are lead by trained people who help you to understand the mystery of the Universe.

We tell you about the star-signs and their mythologies, show you live-color images from our telescope on wide screen, and explain basic astrophysics.

A Desert NightThis is a night in the desert from sunset untill late night by 4WD, car and camel. There are two possibilities to reach our campsite deep in the mountains. We can go by car in one hour or by camels in about three hours. During the evening you will be attended by local people who make tea, coffee and dinner. On request the Bedouins can prepare goat for dinner; a local speciality.

The Emerald Cities This tour combines some of the best sights of the Eastern Desert; fantastic landscapes, the most spectacular archaeological sites and a night in the des-ert. Sighting of wildlife like gazelles is quite common during this trip.

We leave after an early breakfast and follow the Red Sea for one and a half hours to the National Park “Wadi el Gemal.” This Wadi was well known throughout history as an important trading route. Along the road we find many traces of history: roman caravan stations, tombs of the Blemmey tribe (the ancestors of the Bedouins), and more. After two hours off-road we reach an area where emeralds where mined since pharaonic times.

Camel Tour

Desert Sail

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PortfolioThe Eco-diving Adventure

2001Octopus 2001 June

Tauchen 2005 August Diver 2005 October

2005Tauchen 2005 December

Unterwasser 2006 SeptemberDiver 2006 June

Duiken 2006 June

2006

SubAqua 2006 June Viaggiand 2006 November

2007Explorer 2007 November

2008

2009

2010

Sub 2009 February

Plongee 2010 Plongee 2010 Plongee 2010 Magyar Nemzet june 2010

Tauchen August 2010

Diver Magazine 2009 April SubSea 2009 Spring

Green Touch 2009 May Duiken 2009 AugustMieux vendre en Mer Rouge 2009 April

Plongee 2007

Agypten 2004

Agypten 2005

Agypten 2006

Marsa Alam toujours plus au Sud

Kite Surfing 1

Kite World 2008

Austen Bannister

Kite Surfing 2007

Al Ahram 1999 June

1999

Dive 2000 August

2000

Diver 1994 October

1994

2002Dyk 2002 October

Egyptian Reporter 2000 July

Egyptian Reporter 2001 Sept.

Plongeurs 2004 February

20042003Octopus 2003 Dec.

Onderwater Sport 1993 July

1993

Plongeur 2000

iViaggi 2004 MayPlongez Oceans 2003 Nov/Dec.

Sport Diver2003 november

Sportdykaren 2001 June

Tauchen 2000 February

Newsweek International 19 june 2006

Randoplanete 2008 MarchSubSea 2008 feb. Raid Objectif Planet 2008 Nov.

Plongee 2008 Diver Magazine 2008 December

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Partners

Francis J. Ricciardone Jr - U.S Ambassa-dor - with Mr. Hossam Helmy.02 April 2007

PortfolioThe Eco-diving Adventure

Ahram 2008 January

BBC 2009 May

Thalassa - French TV - 2010 January

Nile TV 2007 December

Direct 8 - French TV - 2008 May

Al Ahram 2008 November

French TV 2001

Carnets de Plongee - French TV - 2002

Abenteuer Widnis 2005

Objectif Atlantide - French TV - 2008

Un autre monde - French TV - 2007

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The Eco-diving AdventureRed Sea Diving Safari

Founded in 1990

This portfolio is a condensed version of our 20 Year Anniversary publi-cation. If you are interested in reading the full version you can purchase one at our villages or contact marketing@redsea-divingsafari.com. Your support will ensure that we continue providing our partners and guests with media about the serious environmental issues threatening our world.

These works are dedicated to the idea of returning back to simplicity and living in harmony with nature.

I would like to give a special thanks to:

Jaccolien Wallaard - PhotographyFrancis Le Guen - PhotographyDr. Hossam Nassef - PhotographyDr. Erich Ritter - PhotographyEveryone else who donated photos.

Authored by: Abdelrahman Abdelmoneim

Design team: Olivia MartinezShantel Seoane

Red Sea Diving Safari, The Eco-diving Adventure

Red Sea Diving Safari Publication c

Cairo Head Office53 El Hussain st. Dokki, Giza - Egypttel: +20 2 33 37 18 33 / 33 37 99 42fax: +20 0 37 49 42 19

www.redsea-divingsafari.cominfo@redsea-divingsafari.com

Marsa AlamLodgestel: +20 6 53 38 00 21 / +20 1 22 44 90 73/75 fax: +20 6 53 38 00 27

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Zonation in Marsa ShagraZone AZone BZone C

Zonation in Wadi Lahami: The Fury ShoalsZone 1: LeisureZone 2: ClassicZone 3: Living the Passion

Distances:40 km. north of Marsa Shagra78 km. north of Marsa Nakari 180 km. south of Wadi Lahami