Proposal for New Articial Dive Sites
calendar_monthMarch 16, 2018
For years now, governments and environmental organizations around the world have been sinking large pieces of outdated or damaged equipment into the ocean, turning them into artificial reefs. Subway carriages, naval ships, tanks and more rest on the sea floor, making homes for sea life and attracting divers. Artists have been busy as well, erecting underwater sculptures and memorials.
Against this backdrop, HEPCA submitted a project proposal to H.E General Ahmed Abdullah, Governor of the Red Sea, to establish new artificial coral reef sites using outdated military equipment such as armored vehicles, soldier carriers, tanks and old cars.
The project aims to reduce the pressure on the natural coral reefs around Hurghada where the rates of dives in some dive sites such as Small Giftun Island and Gotta Abu Ramada have reached more than 200,000 annually, while the recommended carrying capacity should not exceed 22,000.
Sunken equipment will not only create new dive sites, but can make very effective habitats for sealife, providing good structure for corals to grow upon, which leads to a whole diverse ecosystem sprouting up. Artificial Reefs present a great tool for restoring deteriorated species, by providing a fresh substrate or aggregating key fish species.
HEPCA hereby guarantees sufficient funds to purchase the equipment and will directly supervise the sinking operation and install mooring systems in the new dive sites.
H.E General Ahmed Abdullah, Governor of the Red Sea, showed exceptional support and encouragement for this project. His Excellency also called upon all concerned authorities to cooperate in accomplishing this national project.
Accordingly, HEPCA, in collaboration with the Red Sea National Parks Authority, has identified seven sites in front of Hurghada as suitable sites for sinking the equipment. In the first phase, 15 pieces of outdated military equipment will be sunk in three sites as the first stage of this project.
In cooperation with the concerned authorities, HEPCA will invite the Red Sea environmental protectionists and diving and water sports personnel to attend a conference in the very near future to explain the components of the project and to gather views and ideas on the most appropriate sites, methods and methods of sinking as well as a sustainable management of these sites.
