Egypt’s Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS) is appealing for visitors to help stamp out illegal fishing in the Red Sea by recording evidence of illegal activity on camera. If you see fishing in restricted areas or evidence, such as nets and lines in no-take zones, the CDWS wants to hear from you.
A report of all evidence submitted will be sent to the Egyptian government calling for action to be taken against illegal fishing and put the issue at the forefront of the political decision-makers minds.
The Red Sea is one of the few places on the planet where shark fishing has been made illegal, with other species receiving protection in a significant number of productive coral reef marine zones. National Park areas such as Ras Mohammed in the north and dugong rich areas in the south such as Abu Dabab, are two of many areas where fishing of any kind is banned. However, there is increasing evidence to suggest fishing activity continues in these areas and CDWS wants visitors to name and shame the catchers.
Illegal fishing is threatening underwater life worldwide. A number of research reports, including a recent UN-funded investigation, estimate that up to 20 per cent of the global fish catch is caught illegally.
In December 2008 the CDWS, together with SSDM and HEPCA, organised the first-ever conference to discuss the issue of illegal fishing, bringing together the Governor of South Sinai, the Minister of Tourism, the Minister of Agriculture, Egyptian Fisheries Agency, the Deputy Minister of the Environment, the head of South Sianai Parks, Fisherman Association and the Oceanographic Institute. However, there is still no significant changes to the law to deal with illegal fishing.
‘One of the biggest environmental problems is clearly identified as illegal fishing, particularly in marine zones, which are supposed to be protected,’ said CDWS chairman Hesham Gabr. ‘We need to keep this issue at the forefront of the government’s mind, which is why we have set up this campaign.’
If you see any suspicious fishing activity in known no-take zones, follow these steps:
1. email your pictures, with date, time, name of boat, location and any other useful
info to fishing@cdws.travel
2. log on to facebook and look up the page “Capture the Catcher” where photos will be uploaded and you can show your support of this campaign by clicking the ‘Like’ button.
For further information please contact Laura Coppa by email on laura.coppa@cdws.travel