Our News

Turtle & Shark Capture Photo Investigation Concluded

Over the past 2 days, our members successfully identified Golden Dolphin III as the boat that allowed its guests to illegally capture a turtle and shark from the Red Sea waters. Our investigation concluded that the incident took place 3 years ago and it was only in recent days that the guest decided to post the photos to their profile. Thanks to your concerns and efforts in exposing this illegal activity; the boat has been identified, the management team has issued an apology, and the national park authority passed the maximum penalty on them. HEPCA is satisfied with these outcomes and we should all consider this an important victory in our on-going struggle for environmental protection. HEPCA would like to make it clear at this time that we are concluding this investigation and are satisfied with the results. Our aim is to make sure that operators are complying with the environmental laws; laws that have been put in place by the government and enforced by the national park authorities. It is not our intention to vilify operators or shut down businesses. Issuing an apology statement was the most responsible thing that Golden Dolphin could have done. The authorities also acted responsibly by issuing the maximum penalty. Most importantly, our community has shown the world once more that we represent a powerful watch-dog with the capacity to bring about results. Golden Dolphin Fleet has admitted their fault, accepted the suspension of their operation, and agreed to pay the fines for breaking the laws. It's important for us to move forward now with the many other challenges ahead of us. We don’t want this incident to escalate any further than it already has, with the sort of racial insults and calls for violence we have seen over the last couple of days. When incidents like this take place, it is imperative that the dive guide and crew are held accountable as well. Firing a crew for illegal activity such as this and then allowing them to be hired immediately afterwards by another operator is completely unacceptable. It is becoming more and more apparent that dive guides and boat crews are still in need of education as to the importance of environmental protection. HEPCA will be working to make environmental education and certification mandatory for all dive guides. We plan on collaborating with diving federations towards this end including; PADI, CMAS and SSI. We want a firm commitment from Red Sea diving operators that they will support this initiative and encourage their staff to participate. HEPCA is receiving your calls and reports on a daily basis and we are acting on your leads as best, and as fast as we can. If we don’t respond right away it's because we are understaffed and dealing with a massive workload. Thank you all gain for your vigilance and never forget our collective capacity to bring about change.