Recently in General Red Sea Info Category

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.

In just 6 days, this is the 'A' list line up for marine life sightings that guests at Emperor Sharm have enjoyed.

Now is the time to book those flights and let Emperor do the rest (well the fish play a bit of a part in it too...)

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.

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."

Libra Holidays is increasing its winter regional flights to Sharm el Sheikh.

• Clients must complete liability forms
• Clients must receive a proper briefing (to include planning, directions, precautions, emergencies etc) from a professional (certified snorkel guide or higher) - holding a CDWS ID Professional card who will have supervision over the activities.
• A snorkelling vest should be used when snorkelling
• Supervision maybe be from the surface or in water depending on the site, sea condition, competence, certification, abilities and needs of others

• Clients must complete liability forms
• Clients should receive a briefing
• Guests may just swim with a mask and snorkel
• If swimming in the open sea, a personal floatation device is recommended