News in July 2009

On 3rd July we hosted a presentation by the well known underwater photographer Alex Mustard. Staff and guests packed into Camel Bar to see Alex’s slideshow, and pick up tips on how to improve their own photos. Alex encouraged divers to get creative with their underwater shots, as demonstrated by his picture of the Thistlegorm lit from inside with a torch. This shot is a good example of using lighting for a different view of a common underwater photo subject. Alex emphasised the need for divers to take photos in a responsible way underwater. After seeing such incredible photographs those present had no doubt about the importance of his message.

On 1st July, together with other Sharm dive centres, we provided a boat and team of volunteers for a cleanup at Jackfish Alley, in Ras Mohammed National Park. The cleanup was organised by Egypt’s Chamber for Diving and Watersports and National Park authorities, following reports of a large quantity of nylon fishing line littering the reef. After a briefing by National Park rangers, we removed the line using scissors to avoid damaging corals. Over 150 kg of line, weights and hooks were collected. This is unfortunate evidence that illegal fishing continues. It highlights the importance of CDWS current efforts to tighten controls on fishing.