[Coral-List] 5. Re: Divers and corals (Curtis Kruer)

[Ness Smith]

Thanks Curtis for your important and timely addition to the discussion on disturbance. I have just returned from a week diving the Southern Red Sea route commonly known as ‘Simply the Best’. This encompasses the big offshore reefs and islands of The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone. It was the fourth time I have dived this route, and I was very encouraged to see that biomass, coral health and species diversity appeared to have increased since my last visit five years ago. My observations were confirmed by the dive guide who has worked in the region for ten years. Obviously this is purely anecdotal but I did at the time wonder if there was any correlation with the dramatic decrease in dive tourism and boat traffic to the region over those five years. Food for thought… and an opportunity for further research! 

Many thanks

Ness Smith
Officer, Ending Illegal Fishing project, Pew Environment