Emperor Divers News

Dan has left the building - all because of a few Sperm Whales!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:42:34 +0000

Duncan McAllister, Sharm el Sheikh's dive centre manager, reports:

"Its official, after so many near encounters the end has finally come and the 'Dan Era' is over. After more than five years Dan Zanoni, Marine Biologist, has left the building and gone on to pastures new. We tried to keep him, but when you are up against someone's dream job you're always facing an uphill struggle.

Dan has always wanted a job that combined his diving, his degree (marine biology) and involved some form of research. Out of the blue in November he was approached by his old university in Norway with an offer to return and be in charge of their new Sperm Whale Research Team and it was just too much temptation to resist.

And so we say farewell to a very popular member of the team, but I am sure we will be able to get him to do some guest appearance articles for the Newsletter, as these have proved so popular. I wonder what those might be about?

He says to all his friends - if you ever want to go snorkelling with Killer Whales in November in Norway, feel free to make contact, but bring a dry suit and extra thermals, you'll need it."

From 'child to adult'...is this the same Nuweiba Frogfish?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:14:20 +0000

As many visitors to Emperor Divers, Nuweiba, know, this is a great location for regular sightings of the elusive Frogfish. They vary from tiny little finger nail size specimens to the much larger - and thus named - Giant Frogfish.

Frogfish change colour over time to match their surroundings and, not surprisingly, grow larger as they grow older. Underwater photographer and frequent visitor to Emperor Nuweiba, Jan Davies, has sent us four photos from 2005 to 2009 of what he believes to be the same Frogfish showing how it has adapted its colouration over the years with its surroundings.

Are there any Frogfish experts out there who can confirm that this could be the same fish growing older over the years?

Frogfish 2005

Frogfish 2006

Frogfish 2007

Frogfish 2008

HEPCA proves Red Sea recycling works

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:57:01 +0000

Since August 2009, the Egyptian government has granted HEPCA sole responsibility for the management of waste collection and recycling in the southern Red Sea. The scheme has achieved some incredible results - proof that recycling really does make a difference and dramatically helps to reduce daily damage to the environment.

HEPCA's latest figures show an outstanding success rate in helping to reduce the Red Sea's carbon footprint:

The following are the figures recycled each month:

PAPER

more than 8.5 tonnes of paper and cartons saving:
- 145 trees
- 34 barrels of oil
- 25 cubic metres of landfill space
- 34,000kw hours of energy
- 59,500 gallons of water.

Simply put, the monthly HEPCA recycled paper total saves enough energy for heat, electricity and air-conditioning for the average Egyptian home for almost 30 months!

ALUMINIUM

more than 41,500 cans saving:
- enough energy to run a television, or operate a computer for 14 years, or a computer centre with 20 computers for over one year.

GLASS

at least 6000kg of glass saving:
- enough energy to power a computer for 296 days, a 100-watt light bulb for 5.93 years and saves the equivalent of 272 litres of oil.

PLASTIC

almost 259,000 plastic bottles and parts saving:
- enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 89.9 years.

STEEL and TIN

an average of 4.5 tonnes of steel and tin saving:
- 24.9 tonnes of iron ore, 14 tonnes of coal, and 1.2 tonnes of limestone.

HEPCA saves around 65 tonnes of CO2 pollutants from entering the atmosphere of the Red Sea each month.

HEPCA's solid waste management strategy is not only concerned with saving the environment but also saving livelihoods. Many valuable employment opportunities have been created for the local community in waste collection, transportation and staffing at the MRF. Further employment and income is also generated through the selling on of recyclable material. We estimate an additional 70 jobs will be created annually in support of this program.

Hurghada plays host to resident octopus

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:39:55 +0000

News just in from the team in Hurghada is that they've been playing 'host' to a resident octopus.

Says dive centre manager, Sharon El Shoura, "This little chap arrived about 5 days ago and has been around the marina area but looks like he's now moving on. And if he is a she then we apologise!"

Team Hurghada also reports sightings on the house reef of a turtle and eagle ray!

European Shark Week 2009 - make that change

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:06:16 +0000

European Shark Week, 10-18 October, is a unique opportunity for European Union citizens around the world to demonstrate their support for shark conservation and effect change.

This year, Project AWARE Foundation and Shark Alliance Partners are going back to governments for follow-up action under the EU Shark Plan seeking stricter fishing quotas (and zero quotas for the most vulnerable species) and a stronger finning ban.

Make your voice heard by visiting here:

Tiger shark sightings - HEPCA advises

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:55:28 +0000

In recent weeks sightings of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) have been frequent at certain sites in the mid and south Red Sea particularly at Elphinstone Reef, which is level with Marsa Alam. There is much excitement among guides and guests but it is worth mentioning that tiger sharks are highly developed, but not particularly discerning, predators.

HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association) - of which Emperor Divers is a founding member - has issued the following useful and informative statement - it's worth a read.

"Recent reports of Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) sightings at Elphinstone and the reaction of some divers to encountering these sharks under water prompted us to release this statement to all of you.

Meeting one of these magnificent creatures is an absolute privilege, that not many people will have a chance to experience. But remember what you are dealing with, a species that is second only to the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in number of reported shark attacks worldwide. Despite this fact, a Tiger Shark is not a dangerous animal per se.

They are, however, among THE top predators in the sea, and probably the least discriminative shark species in terms of feeding habits and items. Coupled with a maximum length of more than 5 meters, they must be treated with great caution and respect.

But there is no reason for hysteria or panic. Following some simple behavioral rules and having basic knowledge on shark biology does help to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Calm and controlled behavior from the human side is the key to an enjoyable and truly impressive encounter. As a predator, a shark will react with interest to erratic or hectic movements, as well as to rapid ascents (especially directly above it).
Stay alert, keep looking around you, so that they don't have the chance to sneak up on you or startle you. Staying next to the reef helps you keeping the overview and limits the open areas around you.

If you are circled by any shark, take a vertical position, calmly turn around with it, and keep it in sight at all times. This shark is not getting ready to attack you, it only makes use of the pressure sensors along its sides to figure out what you are. Keep in mind, that a group of people is less likely to be closely approached than single divers.

If you are not sure, that you can manage to stay calm when meeting a Tiger Shark - or any other large predatory shark - under water, do not expose yourself and others in your company to such an encounter!

Properly brief any divers entering the water on what to expect, and try to evaluate, if they are experienced enough for a possible shark encounter.

It is generally people, that are creating dangerous situations with sharks... Feel free to report unusual sightings or behaviors from any of your dives."

Hammerheads, oceanic white tips & more make their debut

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:58:37 +0000

Last week, Sharm reported some pretty impressive sightings.

Topping the bill on two successful 'Early Bird' trips to Tiran were sightings of hammerheads on the back of Jackson, oceanic white tips also in Tiran and huge schools of snapper, batfish, unicornfish and giant trevallies still hanging out in Ras Mohammed.

Add to that the manta and mobula ray at Near Garden and that has to equate to Red Carpet celeb status for the Red Sea.

Best book,get out there now and join the show!

Nuweiba's tentacles take a turn for the mimic

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:33:50 +0000

And so the long arm of the octopus reaches ever further...

Remember we told you about Nuweiba's alternative tentacles on June 10? Well, dive centre manager, Jim Pickup, did. The photo we had turned out NOT to be a mimic octopus but thanks to Jane Morgan, editor of Dive Online, we know that mimic are indeed to be found in Nuweiba as Jane wrote and told us...

"Just read your post re the mimic at Nuweiba.. it certainly does exist.. I have several pictures of it and the marble shrimp.. infact they are also in the June issue of DIVE in an article I wrote on Nuweiba."

You can read Jane's article here and to prove the point, here are Jane's photos:

Emperor Hurghada's Ecology Week - 6 - 11 June 2009

Fri, 15 May 2009 21:07:42 +0000

by Chris Gooda, Dive Centre Manager, Hurghada

Chris is a PADI and BSAC instructor and has dived in the UK, the Mediterranean, USA, Maldives and extensively in the Red Sea. He was involved in the EDMA Dugong Survey and has regularly delivered presentations on dugongs and other marine life.

Emperor Divers, Hurghada, is presenting a 'one-off' chance to discover fascinating facts about undersea ecology that will enhance your diving experience and give you a new respect for the underwater world. Chris explains...

"After a day's diving on Saturday, in the evening you will learn about the Dolphins of the Red Sea. On Sunday morning you will be taken on one of Emperor's luxury day boats to two dive sites where pods of Bottlenose Dolphins are frequently sighted.

In the evening we will talk about Coral Reef Ecology and Symbiosis (the way different animals live together) before seeing it in action on some of Hurghada's liveliest coral reefs the next day.

Now the fun really starts; you'll learn about all about Dugongs, an endangered species and regularly spotted at Marsa Abu Dabab. You can join an optional excursion to this site near our sister centre in Marsa Alam (€45 supplement) where you'll dive with giant green sea turtles, guitar sharks and hopefully see the main event - a bone fide Dugong.

On other days you will learn all about the amazing array of camouflaged life that calls the Red Sea home. From Stonefish to Scorpion Fish, Sea Moths to Octopuses you'll find out all about the different methods of staying hidden and why different fish use different tactics.

The next day you will visit two dive sites which are famous for their camouflaged life and your dive guide will give some tips on how to best spot them (and will hopefully find some for you as well)!

On the penultimate evening you'll look to the future, considering what may happen to the world's oceans and what you can do to help shape the future of our seas. On the final day of diving there will then be a chance to take action and help with a beach and dive-site cleanup (optional), before heading off to a special Divers' Night party to celebrate a great week!"

This event is FREE for all guests already diving with Emperor Divers in Hurghada between the 6 - 11 June.

Book now to avoid disappointment and join the team for a very special week.

Package price with FREE event: €350 per person (based on 2 sharing)
Includes:airport transfers, 7 nights B & B at the Sea Garden Hotel, 6 days diving (2 dives per day), food at Divers' Night on the final evening.
Flights, equipment rental and all other meals and drinks are not included.
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers with Emperor Divers.

Are we on course for another great manta and whale shark season?

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:36:11 +0000

Last year saw some spectacular activity from whale sharks. The now famous 'bait ball' dive occurred at the end of July and signs are already auguring well for similar 'big fish' encounters. Anticipation is growing of another impressive pelagic year in the Red Sea after a sighting by Emperor Divers' guides and guests of a manta in mid-January in Sharm El Sheikh and a 7-metre whale shark this month in Hurghada.

Red Sea to be plastic bag free

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:11:36 +0000

The Governor of the Red Sea in Egypt has ordered that the Red Sea will be the first plastic bag free Governorate with effect from 1 January 2009. This decree represents a considerable step forward in tackling the issues caused by excess rubbish and in particular plastic bags in the Red Sea. These pose a massive hazard to birds, turtles, dolphins and other marine creatures after swallowing or becoming entangled in plastic bags blown out to sea. Turtles easily mistake plastic bags for yummy jellyfish.

Marsa Alam's Dugong survey going strong

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:38:53 +0000

Gary Ball, Dive Centre Manger, reports...

Our Dugong Survey has taken on a life of its own with guests asking to dive the same site time and time again to collect more and more information! We have had 15 individual sightings this month but one question that always comes up is how to tell if they are male or female? A difficult question to answer until during one dive a group were given dramatic evidence that this was a male...those who saw it know what I mean! One of our guides, Chris Gooda, has collected so much information that he has made a Dugong presentation slide show and talk which he has practised on us and it really is fascinating.

New combined liveaboard Eco Safari & Underwater Photo Course

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:57:52 +0000

Date: 15/05 - 22/05/2008
Cost: Liveaboard 1075 Euro pp + Course 160 Euro pp

Emperor Divers has launched a new liveaboard safari where you can choose to learn about the fundamentals of underwater ecosystems and why marine life behaves the way it does. Why are some fish monogamous and others polygamous and why should that affect their colouring? No prior knowledge is needed.

On the same safari, Peter Bergquist, a well known underwater photographer featured in a number of international magazines and books, will lead a new digital underwater photo course teaching the basics of underwater photography for beginners and intermediates, so no prior knowledge is needed.

So you can take both or one or the other - now that's variety!

The Eco and Photo courses run side by side and take place on Gold Fleet liveaboard Emperor Majesty with air-con ensuite cabins and salons, a large dive deck and sun deck, Jacuzzi/hot tub plus two towels and a bathrobe each!

Email info.safaris@emperordivers.com to book your place today.

Dugongs and dolphins at Marsa Alam

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:40:53 +0000

The Dugong survey is going strong with more and more details coming in from guides and guests alike. Recently, the team has seen pairs of Dugongs and identified the same individual as a 'local' at one of the closest sites. The ever popular Abu Dabab shore dive has also given some amazing encounters with Denis and Lucy the two resident Dugongs.

The photo of the week competition always causes debate over which diver has taken the best picture but this fabulous one was taken by a non-diver happily enjoying a day out snorkelling! So it just goes to prove all that gear does not make the perfect picture. Well done to all our budding photographers.

Marsa Alam's Dugong survey

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:12:36 +0000

Under the supervision of Marsa Alam's 'Resident Instructor Dugong Spotter' (RIDS!), Mo, guests have had no less than 10 encounters this month including two dugong at the surface a couple of times.

The team is looking at the relationship of weather, tides and moon phase to see if there is a pattern that would allow them to predict when the sightings increase. So far, surface sightings seem to be in rough seas and almost all sightings are around mid day.

One strange idea was that they are attracted by singing underwater...however, this seemed to have had the reverse effect but if you have heard the guides sing you would completely understand why!