Just over a month ago, I joined a group of marine biologists and literally embarked in what turned out to be one of the most interesting experiences of my life. We sailed uncountable hours, from Marsa Alaam in Egypt’s southern Red Sea, all the way down to the border with Sudan (and I’m quite sure we actually crossed it!). There was no signal for our cell phones, let alone an internet connection, so that meant being completely cut off from the rest of the world for almost two weeks. Aside from that, we dealt with rough weather, occasional seasickness and a gasoline shortage on the boat. But I enjoyed it every step of the way, because by documenting the work of the people involved in the expedition, I was able to contribute my tiny little bit to the future of dolphin populations in the southern Red Sea.
Counting dolphins
This particular expedition was part of the Red Sea Dolphin Project, developed with the aim to find out which species of dolphins and whales (scientifically known as “cetaceans”) are actually present in the southern Red Sea. On top of that, the research team also wanted to find out how these cetaceans are distributed and how many there roughly are of each species. One of their research methods is collecting photographs of the animals for identification purposes. And that’s why, being a (underwater) photographer, I decided to participate.
Every day, under the scorching sun, we would sail the boat off coast from point A to point B, following a saw-toothed pattern (this has to do with the scientific basis that warrants the validity of the research information). All eyes were constantly fixated on the endless blue horizon, in the hope of seeing dolphins. And what a feeling when we did! It is hard to explain in words, but seeing a large school of Spinner dolphins joining the boat, riding along with the bow and occasionally jumping out of the water showing off their incredible agility, is a magnificent and emotional sight. Especially when there are some mothers with their calves joining in the fun and you can observe the little ones trying to keep up with the others. The expectations were exceeded by far when – within the first two weeks of the expedition – we reached a total of 90 dolphin encounters and identified 6 different species!
We would observe and count the animals from the deck or the bow of the boat, getting as many pictures as possible and trying our best not to get seasick at the same time. Quite a challenge when you’re lying on your belly, looking down through the camera’s viewfinder with the boat moving up and down on the rhythm of the waves… Especially if the goal is to get a clear shot from the dolphins’ dorsal fin, crucial in the identification process. This is because the fins often have specific markings and scars that will help to identify the animal. Together with all the other data that have been collected (from the amount of dolphin sightings on a particular stretch of the survey, to the species that were identified and the number of individuals counted), this information will eventually form a knowledge base. A knowledge base which, at the moment, is still largely empty. And that’s exactly why the Red Sea Dolphin Project was developed.
Environmental threats
But what’s the point to all of this? Well, over the last 15 years the Red Sea has grown and is still growing to become a mass-tourist destination. Many previously unspoiled coastal areas have already been transformed into hotels & resorts and the coastline from Marsa Alaam (ca. 300 km. south of Hurghada) up to Sudan is next on the list of tourist development. At the moment, very little is known about the pristine yet delicate ecosystems along the southern shores and off coast. But one thing is clear: these ecosystems will undoubtedly suffer from the ongoing coastal development. Coral reefs are likely to suffer severe damage because of coastal construction. This could lead to a decline in numbers or even the disappearance of fish, which could in turn cause a serious food shortage for larger marine inhabitants like sharks and dolphins. And with no more food around, these wonderful creatures could slowly disappear. However, it is impossible to protect something if you have no information about it. That’s why counting dolphins can contribute to environmental conservation in the Red Sea.
With all the information collected from expeditions like this one, relevant steps and action can be undertaken that can then lead to conservation and sustainable use of certain areas in the near future. Specific habitats could be identified and classified as Marine Protected Areas, so that the natural resources can continue to exist and enjoyed for generations to come.
Ready to join?
So why not join the team for an unforgettable experience and contribute your time and effort to make a difference? Join the team and help protect the Red Sea!
Find out more at: http://www.hepca.com/red-sea-dolphin-project.aspx or read the Red Sea Dolphin blog: http://redseadolphinproject.wordpress.com/. All the dolphin images are available in our New Uploads Gallery.
Happy sailing!
Mooi met die foto’s erbij!
Thankx, always good to get a positive comment from a Pro!
[...] You can read the full article about the Red Sea Dolphin Project here: http://www.2gobelow.com/2010/09/dolphin-conservation-red-sea/. [...]