HEPCA Update on Dolphin Conservation

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HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Association) ’s mooring team have conducted maintenance operation and renewed the marker buoys for the Dolphins area in Sha'ab El Erg and removed a huge quantity of metal wires which are used illegally by some of the boat captains to moor directly on the coral reefs. 

We are calling all the service providers to respect the regulations, and to keep reporting the violations and we will make sure that legal actions are taken against the violators. 

Dolphins use areas such as Fanous, Shaab El Erg and Abu Nugar mainly to rest, so activities that disrupt their sleep should be avoided for the well-being of wild animals. This code of conduct aims at mitigating aspects of approaches that negatively affect dolphins communication, behavior and health.

Code of Conduct for boat captains.
-Always maintain a clearance distance of minimum 30m from the dolphins

-Only approach dolphins in open water by sailing carefully and parallel to their swimming direction as indicated in the drawing

- As soon as dolphins are observed, drive slowly at a maximum speed of 4 knots or 7km/h or adjust to speed of the slowest dolphin. Never reverse, accelerate, or change direction suddenly.

- If dolphins approach your vessel, put your engine in neutral.

- If dolphins are bow riding, do not suddenly change direction.

- Never herd, chase, encircle or separate dolphin groups. Always leave the animals an “escape route”.

- NEVER follow dolphins inside lagoons and resting areas such as Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House), Fanous and Abu Nugar and keep a safety distance from the reef. Use immediately the moorings at the anchoring place.

- Avoid noises. Do not shout, whistle, use horns or play music.

- Be aware of possible signs of distress (e.g. avoidance, fluke slaps) and, if observed, leave the area at very low speed.

- When calves (young dolphins) are present, always apply extra care.

For more information, inquiries or complains please contact us at mooring@hepca.org or feel free to call us at +20 65 344 503. We will keep you posted with more news about the Red Sea’s mooring system, stay tuned

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