The number of private and commercial boats in Hurghada continues to grow, so does the urgency for protecting what remains of the fragile and sensitive resources below the sea surface.

How Moorings protect coral reefs
Physical damage to coral reefs from anchors is a well documented marine resource protection problem. Such damage can be significantly reduced by mooring buoys, which eliminate the need for anchoring on the reef. Any area that receives boat traffic can benefit frommooring buoys, which can be integrated into any comprehensive resource protection management strategy. In addition to reducing anchor damage to living corals, buoys can act as an important management tool, and can also serve as a convenient way for skippers to secure their vessels while enjoying the unique coral reef communities.

Private funding and initiatives,HEPCA has been able to provide and install buoys in a number of dive sites, to prevent boats from anchoring onto the reef. HEPCA, in cooperation with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has installed more than 1000 moorings throughout the whole Red Sea, which has led to this project becoming the largest mooring system in the world. HEPCA has also been responsible for providing training to boat captains and crews on the proper use of these buoys. Since 1998 more than 800 boat skippers have received training in their use and environmental awareness.

Protecting marine ecology for the future
All mooring buoy systems consist of three elements: a permanent fixture on the sea bottom; a floating buoy on the water surface; and something in between to attach the two. Sea bottom characteristics usually dictate what type of system is most suitable. The Halas system is most successful in areas with flat, solid bedrock. The Manta Ray on the other hand is recommended for areas of sand, coral rubble, or a combination of bottom types. HEPCA works hand in hand with the EEAA to ensure correct use of the buoys and to implement EEAA regulations as part of a comprehensive resource protection management strategy. buoys protect reefs, but only if we use them, and use them correctly. HEPCA’s major commitment is to keep these moorings floating and functional and to transfer the mooring technology whenever and wherever it is needed.

Guidelines for using the buoys

1. Approach upwind of the buoy, against the current
2. Add rope to create slack with the mooring buoy
3. Larger boats must give out extra scope to create a horizontal pull on the buoy
4. Smaller boats are encouraged to tie off to one another on calm days
5. Buoys are available on a first come, first served basis for everyone
6. Buoys are intended only for half day usage
7. Maneuver slowly in the area of buoys and watch carefully for snorkellers, swimmers and divers
8. Inspect the mooring buoy you are tied to and make sure the system is secure
9. Please report any damaged or missing buoys