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| National
Geographic Centre since
2005!!
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Hi
Divers,
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| Artificial Reef with a difference! |
| Ever the conservationists, Red Sea Diving College staff have got involved in a new project, an artificial reef with a difference!
Last year staff from the college created the first artificial reef in Sharm, made from Amphoras pots, a reef which is constantly being added to as more sponsors come forward. However this time, the task was more challenging!
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Local news had confirmed that at least two Red Sea Wrecks have been sold for salvage and since then, the college has been working with Dr Mohammed, director of the Ras Mohammed National Park, to ensure the corals, which would otherwise be destroyed, are given a new lease of life.
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One of the ships, the Million Hope, is first on the list to be salvaged from the waters of the Red Sea. With the aid of some quick thinking from Dr Mohammed and James Tunney, together with other staff from RSDC, permission to carry out coral grafts from the ship has been obtained. The grafts will be placed within the confined area in front of the college to give the corals a new home! The new homes are metal constructions that the coral will be attached to in order to promote growth. Of course, the structures will in themselves create a new reef habitat, giving shelter to fish life and encouraging the growth of coral on its struts as the coral spawning season begins.
In typical College style, not any old structures would do. Newly installed in up to 16m of water, within the reach of open water divers using the bay, there is a massive dolphin, a globe, a ship complete with anchor and a pyramid as a memorial to the legendary Dave the Turtle.
These metal sculptures will act as the ideal hosting ground for the existing life in the bay as well as the coral grafts when they arrive. |
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Built locally in Sharm, the structures raised a few eyebrows in transit, the security guards in Naama not really sure what to make of the delivery, and explanations seemingly beyond translation!
At the beach, the kids were a little upset that their temporary climbing frames were removed, but the job had to carry on.
Due to a large Technical course being underway, the supply of lift bags was severely limited, and bcds were used as an alternative measure to transport the items once in the water.
With the college instructors in full swing, led skilfully by the ever reliable Hooch, it didn’t take long for one to take the opportunity of a quick break, and place himself in the d(r)iving seat of the ship while everyone else built up a sweat in the 31 degree water. The boat seemed particularly at home, its dynamics meant it naturally descended into a perfect position.
Hopefully, weather conditions will soon permit the trip to the Million Hope and the reefs can begin fulfilling their environmental purpose, rather than just giving aesthetic pleasure, as soon as possible.
Within a week of the initial installation, the reef has already attracted some inhabitants, the open structure giving shelter to some of the juveniles from the bay, who seem more than happy with their new residence.
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