Environment Minister announces successful installation of tracking devices on sharks in Red Sea
The program was implemented by an Egyptian team comprising specialists from the Ministry, Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Association (HEPCA), and the Chamber of Diving and Marine Activities, done in cooperation with the ministry's Hurghada Green Project and a French expert specialized in installing satellite tracking and monitoring devices on sharks.
Fouad explained in a statement on Saturday that the team succeeded in installing nine tracking devices on the Oceanic Whitetip Tiger Shark in the areas of the Brother Islands & Elphinstone in Marsa Alam and the Shehr Reef in Safaga.
Samples were also taken from targeted sharks during the scientific expedition to determine their genetic characteristics in the Red Sea. They collected 14 shark samples and photographed the dorsal fins of several Oceanic Whitetip Tiger Sharks.
The goal was to compile a photo album of this species, which is characterized by the presence of distinct external markings on its fins, which can be used to distinguish between individuals.
Fouad noted that Egypt is among the first countries within the Red Sea region to implement a shark monitoring and tracking program – including tiger sharks, mako sharks, and oceanic whitetip sharks.
The Minister of Environment said that the program primarily aims to study the movement of sharks in the Red Sea basin, as sharks provide significant economic and environmental value.
She commended the team's successful scientific mission, which included implementing the best environmentally sound methods for installing tracking devices, tagging the targeted sharks, and safely returning all tagged fish to the water.
The team also conducted all tests on the devices and adjusted their satellite data reception signals, with detailed, and accurate data on the tagged fish to be transmitted within a year.
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