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Centre
of Excellence
2005!!
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| National
Geographic Centre since
2005!!
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Egyptian
Ministry of Tourism
“Centre of the Year” |
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Sharm
el Sheikh First Artificial Reef |
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The popular dive destination of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
has seen the creation of its first artificial reef.
Located in Naama Bay, outside of Red Sea Diving College,
the long planned for reef is taking shape.
An
Artificial Reef is defined as “an artificial structure
placed on the ocean floor to provide a hard substrate
for sea life to colonize”, or put another way, a
way to encourage coral growth and increase fish populations
in areas where this may not happen naturally.
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Working closely with the highly regarded Ras Mohammed
National Park, the Red Sea Diving College has been working
hard to plan and implement the first Artificial Reef
in the area and already it is proving to be a success.
Dr
Mohammed Salem Abdel Rahman, Head Marine Biologist
at the Ras Mohammed National Park, was involved in
the project from its conception and has guided and
overseen every step. Highly experienced in all areas
of marine conservation and promotion, he and his colleagues
Mr Belal Saleh and Mr Jasser Awadalla were instrumental
in the success of the reef, providing advice on everything
from material options to location choice.
Within
the confined area in the shallows of Naama Bay, under
the watchful eye of the Red Sea Diving College resident
Marine Biologist Thom Hunt and Biologist James Williams,
numerous amphorae pots have been moved into place
to create the reef. Amphorae are found naturally on
many Red Sea dive sites, a tribute to the many early
ship wrecks in the area, with one dive site even taking
that name! Look at any of these amphorae and you will
see an abundance of coral and fish life resident.
It was this success that prompted the choice of material
for the reef. The robustness of the material along
with the texture and carvings make an ideal surface
for corals to breed and grow whilst the numerous nooks
and crannies make it an ideal spot for fish to hide,
breed and take shelter!
Since its installation in late June, many fish have
made it their home already. Lionfish are always to
be found hiding in the shadows, butterfly fish enjoy
the shelter and even a stonefish has taken a liking
to the new accommodation. Candidates on the recent
IDC course took a welcome break while the house reef
turtle decided to investigate!
Sitting in only 8 m of water, the reef is accessible
to all divers, no matter what their qualification,
and the reef can also be seen by those snorkelling
in the bay.
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the first National Geographic PADI Centre in Egypt, it
seemed fitting to tie the two together. Students enrolled
in the National Geographic course map a reef to increase
their diving skills in buoyancy, fish and coral identification
and navigation. The artificial reef will now be the reef
chosen for this activity, meaning the Red Sea Diving College
staff can carefully monitor the reefs’ progress
on a regular basis, giving reports to the students as
well as the Ras Mohammed National Park and National Geographic.
Following
the success of this reef, Red Sea Diving College has
already come up with an innovative approach to its planned
expansion.
The
amphora pots have proved to be a big hit with the fish
world, and an even bigger hit with the Red Sea Diving
College guests and staff alike, with sightings being
discussed with great enthusiasm. |
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Again
with guidance from the Ras Mohammed National Park and
taking into consideration the aims of National Geographic,
a second reef is to be placed in the bay, but this time
in deeper water. Sited at 18m, the reef is expected to
attract different corals and fish due to temperature and
light differences. The growth over time will not only
prove a more challenging reef for students but also allow
comparison of species and varieties that take up residence
there. This may lead to conclusions about the conditions
required for successful growth of different varieties
of underwater life.
The reef itself will again be made of amphora pots, but
the Red Sea Diving College was keen this time to involve
guests in its creation. “The idea which led to the
Adopt-a-Pot scheme was given to me by our staff that placed
the first reef. They were so proud of the progress of
“their” reef that it occurred to me that guests
may also like to be part of this project”. So Red
Sea Diving College are offering their guests the chance
to be an active part of the second artificial reef in
Sharm el Sheikh. For a limited time you can Adopt-a-Pot
and be part of Red Sea history! Your amphora will be tagged
with your details before it is submerged. The first guests
to Adopt a Pot are a recent group of regular guests to
the dive centre – Peter Lau, Colin Drury, Michael
Fox & Paul Headland. The money raised will be placed
in a managed fund to assist the Ras Mohammed National
Park with current and future projects in the local area.
With students regularly charting the reefs progress, you
will receive pictures or sketches of your reef on a regular
basis to keep you updated. And of course, on your next
visit you can dive with Red Sea Diving College and see
your pot for yourself! |
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