Blog

In a landmark victory for ocean conservation, governments at CITES CoP20 have granted the highest level of international protection to all manta and devil ray species, banning all commercial trade in their products. This historic decision closes longstanding loopholes and offers a real chance for these majestic creatures to recover from decades of overfishing and exploitation. With global populations in steep decline, this move marks a turning point in the fight to save some of the ocean’s most iconic and vulnerable species.

Trapezia crabs, tiny crustaceans living among coral branches, play a vital role in protecting their coral hosts from predators like the crown-of-thorns starfish and coral-eating snails. This mutualistic relationship benefits both, as the coral offers shelter and food while the crabs fiercely defend against threats, with different species and sizes specializing in fending off various predators. Their diverse presence is essential for maintaining healthy, resilient coral reef ecosystems.

The Red Sea is a vibrant underwater paradise teeming with shark species that play a crucial role in maintaining the health of its coral reefs. Among the most iconic are the Grey Reef Shark, a common and agile sentinel of the reef, and the Scalloped Hammerhead, known for its distinctive head shape and mysterious gatherings in deeper waters. Both species offer unforgettable encounters for divers and are vital to the balance and resilience of the Red Sea’s rich marine life.

The Red Sea harbors over 1,200 species of fish, with more than 10% found nowhere else on Earth, yet most visitors focus solely on iconic species like manta rays and Napoleon Wrasse. Beyond these celebrated inhabitants lies a fascinating world of lesser-known creatures - from tiny endemic triplefins to specialized predators like the crocodilefish - each playing crucial roles in maintaining reef health and ecosystem balance. These overlooked animals possess remarkable adaptations and behaviors that deserve equal admiration, offering divers and naturalists extraordinary opportunities for discovery and deeper appreciation of the Red Sea's true biodiversity.

The Red Sea Creatures website has just launched an exciting new feature that lets you explore the conservation status of the incredible marine species featured on their site. Now, as you discover the vibrant world of reefs, sharks, turtles, and deep-sea dwellers, you can see at a glance whether your favorite creatures are flourishing, vulnerable, or facing threats. This vital information - drawn from internationally recognized sources like the IUCN Red List - helps you understand not just the biology and beauty of these animals, but also their survival story in the wild and what conservation efforts are needed to protect them.

A new partnership between the Waste Management Regulatory Authority and Sinai Cement is set to transform waste management in North Sinai by introducing 1,000 new waste containers and modern monitoring technologies. This collaboration not only improves local waste collection but also helps protect marine ecosystems like the Red Sea by reducing garbage runoff from land. Community awareness and training programs are integral parts of this effort, highlighting how better waste practices on land safeguard our precious marine environments.

Starfish don’t have lungs or gills - they breathe through tiny structures called papules, or dermal gills, that cover their bodies. These papules absorb oxygen directly from seawater, making it impossible for starfish to breathe when lifted out of the water. Even a few seconds in the air can be stressful and dangerous for them, disrupting their delicate oxygen exchange and potentially causing serious harm.

The Red Sea is a marine paradise, teeming with over 1,200 fish species and more than 200 types of coral, making it one of the world’s most biodiverse underwater realms. Its unique geography and isolation have fostered a wealth of endemic species, while vibrant coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves support a rich tapestry of marine life. Yet, despite this diversity, the Red Sea’s waters are often strikingly clear and home to fewer individual animals, a result of its nutrient-poor, oligotrophic environment and resilient but less densely populated reefs.

Every winter, dozens of Sandbar and Dusky sharks gather near the Hadera power station, drawn by the warm water flowing from the plant. While it’s a rare chance to see these protected predators up close, the area is risky for swimming or diving due to strong currents, hidden fishing gear, and unpredictable wildlife. Authorities urge the public to admire the sharks from a safe distance and avoid breaking the rules - swimming here is off-limits for good reason.