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HEPCA 2011 Review - Coastal Survey

The Red Sea is well-known for its ecological and economic importance to Egypt. The fragile ecosystems of coral reefs, mangroves, and sea grass beds make the Red Sea very sensitive to any changes, even small ones. It also has a large number of endemic, rare and endangered species such as the dugong and the green turtle. However, quantitative surveys on the Red Sea marine resources in terms of sensitive habitats and key species are very scarce. Therefore, HEPCA started a quantitative detailed coastal survey along the southern Egyptian Red Sea coast from Um El Gourifat to Ras Banas. The project began in April 2011 with the following aims: 1) Demarcation of sensitive habitats 2) Creation of sensitivity maps 3) Collection of data on diversity, abundance and status of corals, coral reef fishes and exploited species 4) Gathering data on resilience of different coral reefs 5) Establishment of a database and the establishment of monitoring sites based on photo-quadrates and video transects. Up to this date, the coastal survey team covered a total area of approximately 110 km from Marsa Um El Gourifat to Sharm El Fogery. Nine months of work have resulted in: - A total of 25 detailed sites and 135 quick survey sites were surveyed - 500 photo quadrats and 300 video transects of benthic habitats were taken. - 75 depth profiles - 150 100m fish transects were conducted - 300 habitat type transects, 25m/each - Assessment data was collected from 12 dive centres in the study area so far - Usage data from 17 operational hotels and 4 resorts under construction in the study area were also collected so far - Data on human impact and different types of pollution were collected from 25 sites The main achievements of the coastal survey team so far were: - Recording a total number of 172 different fish species belonging to 47 different fish families - Recording 18 hard coral genera and 6 of the soft corals - Habitat demarcation of all 25 detailed surveyed sites - Installing HEPCA eco-guides in 5 different diving sites in the south - Reporting violations in 3 different diving sites to the authorities resulting in an immediate improvement in one of the sites and raising concerns regarding the other two. - Giving talks and information to dive guides regarding reef conservation and their roles. Since the launch of the coastal survey project, the team members have not only been collecting data regarding reef health and sensitive habitats but are also participating in a campaign to conserve our marine resources in the south, by installing eco-guides, talking to guests and briefing dive guides and dive centres. The team would like to thank all the dive centres in the south especially Red Sea Diving Safari for their support during our monthly survey.