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Criminal Insanity by South Sinai Authorities

Contrary to what everybody has been led to believe by South Sinai authorities, the random and indiscriminate killing of sharks continues in the wake of 5 attacks on swimmers off Sharm El Sheikh. The very people entrusted with the protection of this part of the Red Sea are now removing its top predators without any control or logical reason. Not only is this a violation of Egyptian laws clearly prohibited the catching, killing and trading of sharks since 2006, but is also risking major damage to an ecosystem that is already suffering from overfishing, physical destruction, habitat degradation and pollution. It is shocking to see how readily the progress in environmental awareness and understanding of the last two decades has been thrown overboard, being replaced with nothing but ignorance. How does a chain of unusual accidents give anybody the right to rage war on sharks as a whole? What can possibly be achieved by taking these insane measures? A shark-free Red Sea is not an option! Sharks are an integral part of every functional marine ecosystem. Their worldwide depletion has already had catastrophic impacts on a variety of marine habitats, including coral reefs. We need to live alongside sharks and with the minimal risk that comes with entering the sea. Sharks are not the only marine creatures that can potentially harm a human being. None of these potentially harmful creatures; sea urchins, sharks, stonefish, and other venomous organisms alike, has any interest in doing so. Only deviations from their natural behavior, most probably caused by humans themselves, can cause unfortunate and rare events such as the unprecedented number and type of shark incidents we have seen off the beaches of Sharm el Sheikh recently. Wiping out the local shark populations is the worst possible response and needs to be stopped immediately! We hope that the Marine Oceanography Institute of Alexandria and the National Park Authorities of Ras Mohamaed come to their senses and stop this lunacy. They should consider this an ultimatum and last warning before criminal charges are filed against any individuals involved in illegal shark fishing activities. We urge both the minister of environment and minister of higher education to intervene and stop this irresponsible act.