NEWSLETTER 1

SEA TURTLE NESTS IDENTIFIED!
Last week the team successfully identified 15 nests in the Ras Mohamed area. In the immediate area around the nests we found hatched egg shells, which means that the hatching happened recently. The identification of the nesting sites was possible thanks to reports from guides, rangers from the Ras Mohamed National Park, skippers and videographers. An excellent sign of cooperation from the local community!

The coastal area of Ras Mohamed is big with some areas difficult to access. So far the nesting survey has been possible by using 4x4 to access the sites, thanks to volunteers like Simone La Monica and to the director of the National Park, Mr. Mohamed Salem, who took us through miles and miles of roads, tracks and little bays. We could also rely on RIB transportation, thanks to the help and cooperation of the Search and Rescue team in Sharm El Sheikh.

Formerly, the survey had been conducted along the beaches of Marsa Bareika, traditionally renowned as ideal nesting ground but with no luck. With great surprise we found 5 nests and hatched eggs on a beach frequented by tourists. Bedouin fishermen have reported to us the presence of nests in other areas in the South Sinai. We will explore these as soon as possible.

Mr. Mohamed Salem has informed us that there had been years when some species of sea turtles laid eggs as late as October. This was due to a lower sea temperature during the summer. As we have had below average water temperature this year, we will continue monitoring nesting sites over the coming months in case of late arrivals. Stay in touch for future news!

POPULATION MAP PUBLISHED!
The first batch of sighting reports have been published in the Maps section.

The reports have been submitted both online and on paper from guides and guests. So far more than 40 sightings have been submitted and we are very satisfied! We think that this is a very promising start and we are looking forward to receiving more reports from all of you. We have also gathered a few suggestions from you on how to improve the report forms and identification process and we will implement them very soon.

Please continue supporting the project as you have done so far and make sure you involve your guests as well. Thanks to all of you for your support and involvement that is making the Red Sea Turtle Project succesful!

GET INVOLVED!
Your help so far has been amazing and we thank you very much for it. Here are a few things you can do to get involved in the project:

•Report any turtle sighting whether online or on paper. You can download the report form from the website.

•Report any big animal sighting whether online or on paper. You can download the report form from the website.

•Submit any picture or video of sea turtles via email. We will use these to identify individuals and we will give you credit for your pictures or videos.

•Send us your comments, feedback and suggestions on how to improve our project.

•If you would like to join the Red Sea Turtle Project, please send us your application  with an email together with your ideas on your involvement: sightings report, weblink exchange, pictures and video sharing, or simply to receive the newsletter.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

•Frederik Di Girolamo, videographer, for his contribution in setting up a video library and sharing critical footage for sea turtles recognition.

•Simone La Monica, from Red Motion, for his advice on the project and help on surveys and logistics.

•Alessandro Ceccarelli e Stefano Ricci, from Sixth Continent, for their crucial reporting on nesting activity in the Ras Mohammed area that helped us identify the one of the nesting areas.

•Suzy Coombs, from Ocean college, for graphic work on the website.

•Vicky Jarman, from Camel Dive Club, for reviewing the English version of the website.

•Lauren Irwin for editing the newsletter