News

HEPCA launches new research vessel

Published

6 years ago

May 4, 2017

Red Sea NGO HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Association) has launched its new research vessel this week. The R/V Amr Ali – Red Sea Defender is named after the much-loved and charismatic Amr Ali who was Managing Director of HEPCA until his passing in October last year.

The research vessel is a key component in HEPCA’s mission to raise environmental consciousness and grow passion for the Red Sea’s natural resources amongst its community, especially the younger generations – a cause that was extremely close to Amr’s heart.

The R/V Amr Ali Red Sea Defender allows students and eco-volunteers to gain first-hand insight into the world of marine biology and underwater eco-systems. The vessel is fitted with the latest educational tools and equipment, which enables those on board to engage in experiments to increase their knowledge about conservation. Students get to use microscopes and other lab equipment to experience a dynamic hands-on approach to learning, which will hopefully encourage them to spread the message of conservation throughout the Red Sea region and beyond.

It is planned that the vessel will move from city to city along the Red Sea coast, hosting students on board from many different locations and all walks of life in order to create a whole generation of Red Sea Defenders.

HEPCA strongly believes that the future of the Red Sea depends on an environmentally conscious youth with an appreciation of its natural resources. In creating a youth that believes in the value of conserving these riches for future generations, HEPCA also believes that this ethos will be a cornerstone of building a stronger tourism industry in the region, which is one of the most important economic sectors in Egypt.

The R/V Amr Ali Red Sea Defender has been made possible in cooperation with the United States Forest Service and under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Solidarity.

To find out more about the work of HEPCA, visit www.hepca.org

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Midlands Diving Chamber donates £20k to Bite-Back

Published

20 hours ago

June 9, 2023

Team Scubaverse

Hyperbaric and dive medical experts, Midlands Diving Chamber (MDC), has underpinned its long-term support of Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with a one-off donation of £20,000, as the Rugby-based diving doctors wind down the charitable side of its operation.

The donation represents the single biggest financial contribution made to Bite-Back, delivering a huge boost to its campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products.

Spokesperson for Midlands Diving Chamber, Sally Cartwright, said: “For years we’ve admired and supported the ground-breaking work that Bite-Back is doing to save, protect and celebrate sharks. It’s a genuine pleasure to help ensure it stays at the forefront of shark conservation in the UK.”

Midland Diving Chamber first supported the charity at the inaugural Bite-Back at Cancer event in 2007 and then annually for the next six years. It even hosted its own James Bond-themed party on the Thames to fundraise for the marine NGO.

Campaign director for Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We can’t thank MDC enough for its continued support and now for this massive contribution to our pioneering shark conservation campaigns. It makes us very proud that the country’s premier diving medical experts have chosen to back our campaigns that extend from parliament to primary schools. This financial windfall will allow us to continue to lead the shark conservation agenda in the UK and deliver measurable shark conservation breakthroughs to keep the oceans healthy.”

Bite-Back’s No Fin To Declare campaign to end the UK’s import and export of shark fins is now just months away from achieving Royal Ascent into law and, earlier this month it launched a free 56-page teaching resource for Key Stage 2 & 3 students on the importance of sharks and the threats they face.

Midlands Diving Chamber is based at St. Cross Hospital in Rugby and operates a hyperbaric decompression chamber offering NHS funded recompression to divers with Decompression Illness (DCI) together with other Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatments. Any diver with medical concerns should contact MDC on either 01788 579 555 or 07931 472 602.

Find out more about Bite-Back at http://www.bite-back.com/

Marine Life & Conservation

Watch The Real Watergate from Live Ocean Foundation (Trailer)

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2023

Team Scubaverse

Sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke established Live Ocean Foundation out of their deep concern for health of the ocean and the life in it. Through their sport they champion action for the ocean, taking this message to the world.

Many of the issues the ocean faces are out of sight, but the science is clear, the ocean is in crises from multiple stressors; climate change, pollution and over-fishing. We’re not moving fast enough, not even close.

Live Ocean Foundation supports exceptional marine scientists, innovators and communicators who play a vital role in the fight for a healthy future.

Thanks to generous core donors who cover their operating costs, 100% of public donations go directly towards the marine conservation projects they support.

Find out more at https://liveocean.com/foundation/

WATCH THE REAL WATERGATE AT https://www.realwatergate.com/