Egypt Implements New Scientific Program To Monitor And Track Sharks In The Red Sea

In response to a shark attack that occurred early in the week at the Marsa Alam resort, resulting in the death of a tourist, Egypt has taken a proactive stance towards enhancing safety for humans and marine life alike.

Ali Abu Senna, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, has confirmed the continuation and funding of a scientific program aimed at monitoring and tracking shark activities in the Red Sea. This initiative, vital for the safety of tourists and diving sector workers, also plays a significant role in preserving marine activities, Egypt Today reported.

The purpose of this program is twofold: firstly, to investigate the scientific reasons behind any observed changes in the behavior of sharks, particularly species like tiger, mako, and oceanic sharks; and secondly, to find solutions to mitigate risks. By focusing on studying sharks' environmental behaviors through their migration, reproduction, and feeding seasons, the program employs advanced technologies to gather and analyze data meticulously. This initiative is part of a larger national strategy aimed at balancing marine conservation efforts with the sustainability of the tourism industry.

The Egyptian government, recognizing the importance of this program, has allocated funds from national project budgets and sought foreign funding to acquire modern tracking devices and engage specialized international experts. In an effort to increase the program's effectiveness, four training workshops have been organized to enhance the technical skills of researchers, local fishermen, and professionals from civil society.

Collaboration with foreign experts has led to several sea expeditions to attach tracking devices to sharks. These expeditions are meticulously planned to avoid conflicting with the peak tourist seasons, thereby ensuring the safety of both tourists and the operational teams. Abu Senna highlighted the promising initial results from these initiatives, noting that various methods and techniques have been employed during shark tagging operations, yielding significant data. The focus is now on analyzing this data to gain a deeper understanding of shark movements and devise strategies to address any emerging issues.

The tracking devices used in this program are designed to store information over time and transmit data only when they surface, are correctly positioned, and have satellite connectivity. This means that immediate results are not feasible, and it may take up to five years to fully assess the data's accuracy and the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.

Beyond tracking sharks, the program aims to tackle broader environmental issues that influence shark behavior, such as overfishing, marine waste disposal, water pollution, and the regulation of marine activities. Abu Senna emphasized that this initiative marks a significant advancement in marine conservation and sustainable tourism, underlining the ministry's dedication to balancing development with the protection of natural resources. This commitment reinforces Egypt's standing as a leader in environmental tourism on the global stage.

Following a tragic incident on December 29, 2025, where a tourist was fatally attacked by a shark in Marsa Alam resort, Egypt declared a state of emergency and temporarily prohibited swimming in the area. Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad has ordered a thorough investigation into the attack in collaboration with the Red Sea Governorate and relevant authorities, aiming to determine the root causes of the incident and prevent future occurrences. Egypt's Red Sea coast, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, has long been a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sand and diving opportunities.