Doesn't address the issue of (secret) shark hunting raised by HEPCA.
Suspension of all diving and watersports activities in Sharm el Sheikh
- Thread starter Red Sea Shadow
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OP
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Received this from HEPCA:
--------------------------------
From Hysteria to Absurdity:
The Saga Continues
Authorities in Sharm El Sheikh continue to find new ways to demonstrate their ecological ignorance with the planned construction of shark exclusion nets around beaches in Sharm El Sheikh.
The operation to protect tourism in South Sinai in the wake of the shark attacks of November and December 2010 has been plagued by knee-jerk reactions, lack of communication and almost comedic activities.
Longlines were set for ten days after the attacks and their baited hooks probably attracted many additional sharks to the area (many of which will have perished on the very same lines). The South Sinai Protectorate (SSP) were quick to defend their actions, describing the indiscriminate killing of sharks as an “internationally recognised process of ‘shark assessment’.” Since this ‘shark assessment’ requires the ‘scientists’ involved to view shark innards all the captured specimens are killed. When an SSP senior official was interviewed by Al Masri Al Youm he didn’t “have the exact figures of how many sharks were assessed” (for assessed read butchered), but was certain that they were “doing everything scientifically, and the numbers indicate our waters have a surplus of sharks”. It is incredible that science has advanced to such a degree that we can know from ten days of staring at shark entrails that there is a surplus of the endangered species here in the Egyptian Red Sea.
In addition to the well-publicised criminal long-lining activities, so-called scientists sought to attract “man-eating sharks” by stuffing a black neoprene wetsuit with sawdust and leaving it in the water close to an attack site. When this ingenious plan failed it was enhanced by using a mannequin, complete with swimwear and sunscreen (and hooks to catch any creature that was stupid enough to approach). The mannequin unsurprisingly fell apart while being dragged behind a boat (of course a shark attack was blamed).
Several experts were invited to Sharm El Sheikh to investigate the attacks. They largely kept away from the media, with one noticeable exception. The larger than life Mr. George Burgess, a contentious figure in shark research, took every opportunity to speak to the media and seemed content to vindicate the position and actions of the authorities at every moment, whilst selectively utilising the work of other scientists. In his personal summary of events he talks of the final press conference of his visit being “his last big chance at “self promotion” and he certainly grabbed his chance with both hands.
Now, with the blessing of Mr. Burgess, there are plans afoot to construct shark exclusion nets around beaches in the Sharm El Sheikh area (indeed companies have already started tendering for the work). Whilst we are promised that gill nets (which are designed to catch sharks and other species of a particular size) will not be used, any kind of netting will have a direct and devastating impact on the local marine ecosystem. A very fine exclusion net will stop any creatures passing and halts the movement of grazers and predators (which are essential to reef ecosystems) in and out of the netted area. When “aziab” (south wind) conditions come to South Sinai the nets will most likely become a tangled mess of nylon,steel and marine life adorning the reef. A preliminary report by other scientists invited to advice authorities in the aftermath of the attacks (Marie Levine, Ralph Collier, Mustafa Fouda, Mohamed Salem, Nasr Galal, Leonard Compagno and Erich Ritter) discouraged the use of nets; describing them as expensive and high maintenance, as well as warning that they could encourage sharks to be present in the area.
The nets offer a swimming pool in the sea - for tourists who want a swimming pool, every hotel in Sharm El Sheikh offers this amenity. If we are determined to build barriers between tourists and “dangerous marine life” maybe 6 metre high fences along the beach to protect the marine environment from irresponsible tourism might be a more sustainable option. If the nets are installed, HEPCA will offer dive professionals 100LE for every metre of netting that is “cleaned” from the beaches. Together we can protect our marine environment.
When we bathe, swim, snorkel or dive in the Red Sea we are visitors in the habitat of marine creatures. There will never be a zero probability of being attacked by a shark (at least not until they become extinct), but the chance is already ridiculously small. Globally, 376,000 people drowned in 2006; 4 people died in the same year due to sharks. A recent New York Times article sums it up well “you have double the chance of dying from a coconut falling on your head” than being killed by a shark.
It is time to end the hysteria and for common sense to prevail in Sharm El Sheikh. We don’t need nets and watchtowers, simply the basic education of tourists. Let people learn more about the marine environment and understand the risks before they enter the water. Sharks are top predators and therefore of critical importance to our treasured Red Sea ecosystem, let's do everything in our power to protect them.
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
From Hysteria to Absurdity:
The Saga Continues
Authorities in Sharm El Sheikh continue to find new ways to demonstrate their ecological ignorance with the planned construction of shark exclusion nets around beaches in Sharm El Sheikh.
The operation to protect tourism in South Sinai in the wake of the shark attacks of November and December 2010 has been plagued by knee-jerk reactions, lack of communication and almost comedic activities.
Longlines were set for ten days after the attacks and their baited hooks probably attracted many additional sharks to the area (many of which will have perished on the very same lines). The South Sinai Protectorate (SSP) were quick to defend their actions, describing the indiscriminate killing of sharks as an “internationally recognised process of ‘shark assessment’.” Since this ‘shark assessment’ requires the ‘scientists’ involved to view shark innards all the captured specimens are killed. When an SSP senior official was interviewed by Al Masri Al Youm he didn’t “have the exact figures of how many sharks were assessed” (for assessed read butchered), but was certain that they were “doing everything scientifically, and the numbers indicate our waters have a surplus of sharks”. It is incredible that science has advanced to such a degree that we can know from ten days of staring at shark entrails that there is a surplus of the endangered species here in the Egyptian Red Sea.
In addition to the well-publicised criminal long-lining activities, so-called scientists sought to attract “man-eating sharks” by stuffing a black neoprene wetsuit with sawdust and leaving it in the water close to an attack site. When this ingenious plan failed it was enhanced by using a mannequin, complete with swimwear and sunscreen (and hooks to catch any creature that was stupid enough to approach). The mannequin unsurprisingly fell apart while being dragged behind a boat (of course a shark attack was blamed).
Several experts were invited to Sharm El Sheikh to investigate the attacks. They largely kept away from the media, with one noticeable exception. The larger than life Mr. George Burgess, a contentious figure in shark research, took every opportunity to speak to the media and seemed content to vindicate the position and actions of the authorities at every moment, whilst selectively utilising the work of other scientists. In his personal summary of events he talks of the final press conference of his visit being “his last big chance at “self promotion” and he certainly grabbed his chance with both hands.
Now, with the blessing of Mr. Burgess, there are plans afoot to construct shark exclusion nets around beaches in the Sharm El Sheikh area (indeed companies have already started tendering for the work). Whilst we are promised that gill nets (which are designed to catch sharks and other species of a particular size) will not be used, any kind of netting will have a direct and devastating impact on the local marine ecosystem. A very fine exclusion net will stop any creatures passing and halts the movement of grazers and predators (which are essential to reef ecosystems) in and out of the netted area. When “aziab” (south wind) conditions come to South Sinai the nets will most likely become a tangled mess of nylon,steel and marine life adorning the reef. A preliminary report by other scientists invited to advice authorities in the aftermath of the attacks (Marie Levine, Ralph Collier, Mustafa Fouda, Mohamed Salem, Nasr Galal, Leonard Compagno and Erich Ritter) discouraged the use of nets; describing them as expensive and high maintenance, as well as warning that they could encourage sharks to be present in the area.
The nets offer a swimming pool in the sea - for tourists who want a swimming pool, every hotel in Sharm El Sheikh offers this amenity. If we are determined to build barriers between tourists and “dangerous marine life” maybe 6 metre high fences along the beach to protect the marine environment from irresponsible tourism might be a more sustainable option. If the nets are installed, HEPCA will offer dive professionals 100LE for every metre of netting that is “cleaned” from the beaches. Together we can protect our marine environment.
When we bathe, swim, snorkel or dive in the Red Sea we are visitors in the habitat of marine creatures. There will never be a zero probability of being attacked by a shark (at least not until they become extinct), but the chance is already ridiculously small. Globally, 376,000 people drowned in 2006; 4 people died in the same year due to sharks. A recent New York Times article sums it up well “you have double the chance of dying from a coconut falling on your head” than being killed by a shark.
It is time to end the hysteria and for common sense to prevail in Sharm El Sheikh. We don’t need nets and watchtowers, simply the basic education of tourists. Let people learn more about the marine environment and understand the risks before they enter the water. Sharks are top predators and therefore of critical importance to our treasured Red Sea ecosystem, let's do everything in our power to protect them.
--------------------------------
Yes, just got this as well. What a terrible shambles this has all become! How to turn a tragedy into complete disaster!
OP
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Decree # 389 dated 28.12.10 from the office of the Governor of South Sinai:
= all areas along the Sharm el Sheikh coast line are now open to water sports.
= swimming is permitted in front of hotels on the condition that the hotel provides a ‘secure swimming area’. A ‘secure swimming area’ is defined as no deeper than 2m and clearly marked with buoys and ropes.
= CDWS confirmed with Gen. Ahmed Saleh that; all regulations relating to snorkelling in previous decrees still apply according to the decree # 358 (i.e. snorkelling in Tiran area only, only by boat and no drift snorkelling)
= the exception to this rule is that snorkelling activities maybe conducted where a hotel has a fringing reef, on the condition that they are accompanied by a snorkelling guide. The snorkelling guide must be a CDWS card holder and be working for a CDWS member centre.
= all areas along the Sharm el Sheikh coast line are now open to water sports.
= swimming is permitted in front of hotels on the condition that the hotel provides a ‘secure swimming area’. A ‘secure swimming area’ is defined as no deeper than 2m and clearly marked with buoys and ropes.
= CDWS confirmed with Gen. Ahmed Saleh that; all regulations relating to snorkelling in previous decrees still apply according to the decree # 358 (i.e. snorkelling in Tiran area only, only by boat and no drift snorkelling)
= the exception to this rule is that snorkelling activities maybe conducted where a hotel has a fringing reef, on the condition that they are accompanied by a snorkelling guide. The snorkelling guide must be a CDWS card holder and be working for a CDWS member centre.
the problem with this is that "secure swimming area" effectively gives hotels permission to install barriers of some kind - there are rumours of hotels with finance to construct "shark nets" of some description. Fringe reefs are stomped on enough as it is but some hotels take precautions to prevent people wading or snorkelling on the reef plate. Now the fringe reef is open for further destruction.
We wait...
C.
We wait...
C.
OP
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Here's the translation of the original decree:
===================
After reviewing the laws, regulations, previous decrees, etc... the governor of South Sinai has decided:
1. Opening the beaches north of Naama Bay till Ras Nasrani and south of Naama Bay till Ras Um Sid in front of the hotels starting 28/12/2010; given:
A. All concerned hotels should determine one or two swim-safe zone (not exceeding 2 meters). The zones should be marked by ropes and buoys.
B. Zodiacs should be placed in deep water near swim-safe zones.
C. Watching towers and watching personnel should be spread with all necessary equipment, also rescuers equipped with first aid kits.
D. Hotels should put warning signs wherever swimming and snorkeling are not allowed.
E. Hotels should put signs including beach usage regulations. The signs should indicate that fish feeding is forbidden (causes, consequences and penalties should be mentioned).
F. Hotels should not allow snorkeling without the existence of a certified snorkeling guide. Snorkeling should take place only from beach jetties.
2. All other areas are to be added to those of point (1) and the same regulations apply.
3. All other water sports are allowed in the pre-determined areas, including surfing/sailing.
4. All hotels should insure that no fish feeding is taking place. A penalty of 50,000 LE is to be applied on the hotels that don't comply.
5. This decree is to be executed immediately.
===================
===================
After reviewing the laws, regulations, previous decrees, etc... the governor of South Sinai has decided:
1. Opening the beaches north of Naama Bay till Ras Nasrani and south of Naama Bay till Ras Um Sid in front of the hotels starting 28/12/2010; given:
A. All concerned hotels should determine one or two swim-safe zone (not exceeding 2 meters). The zones should be marked by ropes and buoys.
B. Zodiacs should be placed in deep water near swim-safe zones.
C. Watching towers and watching personnel should be spread with all necessary equipment, also rescuers equipped with first aid kits.
D. Hotels should put warning signs wherever swimming and snorkeling are not allowed.
E. Hotels should put signs including beach usage regulations. The signs should indicate that fish feeding is forbidden (causes, consequences and penalties should be mentioned).
F. Hotels should not allow snorkeling without the existence of a certified snorkeling guide. Snorkeling should take place only from beach jetties.
2. All other areas are to be added to those of point (1) and the same regulations apply.
3. All other water sports are allowed in the pre-determined areas, including surfing/sailing.
4. All hotels should insure that no fish feeding is taking place. A penalty of 50,000 LE is to be applied on the hotels that don't comply.
5. This decree is to be executed immediately.
===================
I love the way we get "decrees" here...
"Thou shalt snorkel only in the places given unto you as I, supreme ruler of the Snorkeling Board Authority, so decree..."
Given that we had a big old lightning storm over Na'ama bay for a large portion of the day, it did amuse me to see the lifeguard sitting in his really tall tower...!
I hear and shall obey, my master
Crowley
"Thou shalt snorkel only in the places given unto you as I, supreme ruler of the Snorkeling Board Authority, so decree..."
Given that we had a big old lightning storm over Na'ama bay for a large portion of the day, it did amuse me to see the lifeguard sitting in his really tall tower...!
I hear and shall obey, my master
Crowley
OP
- Messages
- 2,580
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- 87
OP
- Messages
- 2,580
- Reaction score
- 87
HEPCA's latest newsletter includes a sort of summary:
===============================
Sharks incidents
December was definitely a month of shark headlines...
Five swimmers were attacked off South Sinai between 30th November and 5th December 2010, resulting in one fatality, three victims suffering serious injuries and one minor injuries from a single bite.
A large female oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) was responsible for at least two, potentially more of these attacks including the one which caused the death of a German tourist.
As a first response, all water activities were suspended, and Ras Mohamed National Park authorities set out to catch sharks in the area. Over the course of about two weeks, a minimum of eight sharks were caught.
Following the capture of the first two sharks, one shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and one oceanic whitetip shark (NOT the one identified from the attacks), authorities declared the problem solved and re-opened the beaches on 4th December. One day later, the previously identified large oceanic female caused the death of a German woman.
Despite assurances that no further sharks were caught due to the severe public criticism of this random killing, the capturing of sharks continued in secrecy and was only exposed on 18th December. As a response, National Park authorities claimed their shark captures were justified as the were carrying out „scientific shark assessments“, additionally mentioning a „surplus of sharks in the Red Sea“ (!?).
Restrictions on diving activities in the area of Sharm El Sheikh have been lifted since the 19th/20th December, while swimming and snorkeling is still limited to a few very shallow areas.
We have clearly stated our opinion about the management of the unfortunate and unprecedented accidents off South Sinai in a number of newsletters this month, so just a quick summary here: the panic reaction of the South Sinai authorities after the first four shark incidents was completely irrational and out of proportion. The random killing of sharks as a consequence is not only illegal, it also contributed nothing to solving the issues surrounding the shark attacks. The potential cause(s) of the aberrant behaviour of at least one oceanic whitetip shark might never be known for sure.
However, it is most likely that humans themselves must take the blame, with the unsolved issues of overfishing the Red Sea, illegal feeding and baiting of sharks and other marine creatures, and the practice of discarding dead livestock from large cargo ships passing through the area.
For the last approx 10 days discussions erupted about the future protection of the tourists bathing and swimming off Sharm El Sheikh. Unfortunately, instead of awareness and education, most considerations seems to have been given to different options of putting nets around swimming areas. Independent of exact structure or material, this can only end with an ecological disaster and will unselectively kill a number of marine organisms.
It seems to have been completely forgotten how rare and unusual these incidents were, not only here in Egypt, but worldwide!
Closing off beaches and areas with coral reefs to protect humans from shark attacks would be a disastrous decision, and we can only urge the responsible authorities to focus on protecting the Red Sea! We humans are a much bigger threat to its health and survival than any shark could be to us...
===============================
===============================
Sharks incidents
December was definitely a month of shark headlines...
Five swimmers were attacked off South Sinai between 30th November and 5th December 2010, resulting in one fatality, three victims suffering serious injuries and one minor injuries from a single bite.
A large female oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) was responsible for at least two, potentially more of these attacks including the one which caused the death of a German tourist.
As a first response, all water activities were suspended, and Ras Mohamed National Park authorities set out to catch sharks in the area. Over the course of about two weeks, a minimum of eight sharks were caught.
Following the capture of the first two sharks, one shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and one oceanic whitetip shark (NOT the one identified from the attacks), authorities declared the problem solved and re-opened the beaches on 4th December. One day later, the previously identified large oceanic female caused the death of a German woman.
Despite assurances that no further sharks were caught due to the severe public criticism of this random killing, the capturing of sharks continued in secrecy and was only exposed on 18th December. As a response, National Park authorities claimed their shark captures were justified as the were carrying out „scientific shark assessments“, additionally mentioning a „surplus of sharks in the Red Sea“ (!?).
Restrictions on diving activities in the area of Sharm El Sheikh have been lifted since the 19th/20th December, while swimming and snorkeling is still limited to a few very shallow areas.
We have clearly stated our opinion about the management of the unfortunate and unprecedented accidents off South Sinai in a number of newsletters this month, so just a quick summary here: the panic reaction of the South Sinai authorities after the first four shark incidents was completely irrational and out of proportion. The random killing of sharks as a consequence is not only illegal, it also contributed nothing to solving the issues surrounding the shark attacks. The potential cause(s) of the aberrant behaviour of at least one oceanic whitetip shark might never be known for sure.
However, it is most likely that humans themselves must take the blame, with the unsolved issues of overfishing the Red Sea, illegal feeding and baiting of sharks and other marine creatures, and the practice of discarding dead livestock from large cargo ships passing through the area.
For the last approx 10 days discussions erupted about the future protection of the tourists bathing and swimming off Sharm El Sheikh. Unfortunately, instead of awareness and education, most considerations seems to have been given to different options of putting nets around swimming areas. Independent of exact structure or material, this can only end with an ecological disaster and will unselectively kill a number of marine organisms.
It seems to have been completely forgotten how rare and unusual these incidents were, not only here in Egypt, but worldwide!
Closing off beaches and areas with coral reefs to protect humans from shark attacks would be a disastrous decision, and we can only urge the responsible authorities to focus on protecting the Red Sea! We humans are a much bigger threat to its health and survival than any shark could be to us...
===============================
OP
- Messages
- 2,580
- Reaction score
- 87
Decree # 3 for the year 2011
CDWS would like to inform members that the Governor of South Sinai has issued decree number 3 for the year 2011. The decree states the following:
- House reef shore diving is now banned in Sharm el Sheikh, with the exception of the following areas: Sharm el Maya, Naama Bay, Ras Umm Sid, Sharks Bay, Ras Gamila and Nabq National Park (north of Nakhlet Eltal).
- Shore diving is allowed in the following areas: Sharm el Maya, Naama Bay, Ras Umm Sid, Sharks Bay, Ras Gamila and Nabq National Park (north of Nakhlet Eltal) as well as designated areas in Ras Mohammed National Park.
CDWS is working to have this ban lifted, and will inform members as soon as there are any further developments.
CDWS would like to inform members that the Governor of South Sinai has issued decree number 3 for the year 2011. The decree states the following:
- House reef shore diving is now banned in Sharm el Sheikh, with the exception of the following areas: Sharm el Maya, Naama Bay, Ras Umm Sid, Sharks Bay, Ras Gamila and Nabq National Park (north of Nakhlet Eltal).
- Shore diving is allowed in the following areas: Sharm el Maya, Naama Bay, Ras Umm Sid, Sharks Bay, Ras Gamila and Nabq National Park (north of Nakhlet Eltal) as well as designated areas in Ras Mohammed National Park.
CDWS is working to have this ban lifted, and will inform members as soon as there are any further developments.
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