Logbook
Summer in the Mediterranean
Date: July 04, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Rémy Krupka
Fleur de Passion will continue her Mediterranean voyage from Catane in Sicily.
Each week throughout the summer, she will welcome on board a dozen young people who will discover the sea and marine life, and who will become ambassadors and defenders of the ocean.
We defend what we love, and we love what we understand through our experience. It is this kind of transformation that will be the goal of the Changing Oceans Expedition in the weeks and months to come.
Life at sea, in the wind and the sun, will be an opportunity to share a passionate experience of communal life and learning, thereby integrating the extra crew members brought together with a view to protecting and preserving marine areas.
Good luck to everyone!
Translation: Elizabeth Lake
The Mediterranean: a dead sea in the making
Date: July 03, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
Whilst Fleur de Passion is cruising along the Mediterranean coast, an OPECST report (Office parlementaire d'évaluation des choix scientifiques et technologiques) is under review concerning pollution of all kinds, drawing users' attention to the damage wrought on the environment by plastics, bottles, cigarette-ends and other objects thrown inadvertently or carelessly into the water, in a closed sea like the Mediterranean which takes a century to renew itself.
The 300-page report entitled "Pollution in the Mediterranean: status and prospects for 2030" based on "the findings of some 200 French and international scientists", warns on "the necessity to mobilize the international community, otherwise we shall have gone beyond the point of no return."
Click here for the details of this report.
Translation: Elizabeth LAKE
Back to the future
Date: June 22, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Fleur de Passion has started on her way back towards the Mediterranean, passing through the Suez Canal in the wake of huge ocean-going cargo vessels.
This corridor, through which so much of the world's merchandise transits, is just one snapshot of our frenetic consumer society.
This convoy Hurghada-Suez -Crete provides the opportunity to prepare and clean up the boat: no more diving bottles or equipment on deck, no more old bearded men or divers or film crew. Now it's time for the youngsters! In fact, the next mission will be socio-educational and will take place in the Mediterranean, but with a stop in Crete first before heading towards the waters of Sicily where Fleur de Passion will take a break for technical maintenance.
The Back to the Future mission will have new passengers on board, eco-volunteers as well as local expedition support staff or shipyard workers who will take advantage of the wind and the first warm summer temperatures
Pollution from hydrocarbons
Date: June 21, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: HEPCA
The two main causes of pollution observed along the length of the Egyptian coasts are mass tourism and hydrocarbon spills.
The dramatic incident of the explosion of the oil platform Deep Water Horizon in the gulf of Mexico resulted in damage of such a scale that it will be remembered for years to come, but oil pollution is not limited to accidents so significant.
In May 2010, an oil spill from one of the oil platforms in the Red Sea caused contamination all along the coasts of Hurghada. Although the Egyptian government claimed to have contained hydrocarbon spills, local environmental activists found tortoises and birds covered in oil.
After several days, the petrol company Geisum managed to stop the spill, and took financial responsibility for the damage.
This is not the only incident recorded involving aging oil installations, off-shore or near-shore, which have increasingly poor security measures, insufficient to safeguard against further and more serious damage occurring in the future.
A member of the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Agency (HEPCA) says that a large part of the dolphin population has migrated further south following repeated oil spillages.
These incidents, always downplayed, are a significant part of the range of threats facing the Red Sea. Since it is an almost enclosed area of water it suffers particularly badly from industrial pollution of this type, more than anywhere else in the world.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
End of mission in the red sea
Date: June 16, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Fleur de Passion has reached the end of her voyage in Southern Egypt.
After putting away all the photo and video equipment and finishing all the written reports, the boat is being prepared for her return to the waters of the Mediterranean after a stop at Hurghada on the way.
Lots of memories, many goals achieved, passionate discoveries made and some truly unforgettable moments: dolphins at dawn near the boat for Pietro, a shark really close whilst snorkelling for Sophie, and meetings for everyone with strong and engaging personalities. In a word, even if we haven't yet had time to take stock, everyone will leave with colourful memories and the experience of a unique human adventure.
It is now time to make our return journey via the Suez Canal in the direction of Crete for the end of this month, before heading for Sicily in July.
No more anchors thrown in the sea !
Date: June 16, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: HEPCA
Anchors dropped in shallow waters by boats are the cause of significant damage to the coral reefs, especially in intensely touristic areas. In Egypt a number of sites are overcrowded by dozens of boats every day.
It is nonetheless possible to use other types of mooring in order to reduce destruction to the reefs.
Since the 1990s, HEPCA, Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association, has put in place a simple and ingenious initiative which merits to be utilised across a number of diving sites around the world. The system is simply made up of 3 elements : a fixed structure over the seabed adapted to the nature of the soil, whether sand or rock, a floating buoy on the surface, and a mobile element connecting the two. Boats can secure themselves to the buoys rather than dropping their anchors into the reefs.
HEPCA has made it possible to provide and install this solution in more than 1200 diving sites, in this way preventing rapid degradation of the coral reefs. They hope that the example of the successful implementation of this solution in Hurghada will inspire the same action in a number of other sites around the world facing the same problem.
To find out more, click here
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Requiem for the sharks of the Red Sea
Date: June 09, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Daniel Krupka
According to a number of specialists, the emblematic predator of the Red Sea is threatened due to overfishing -and along with him the whole of the trophic network. It is not uncommon to find dozens of baby sharks squeezed in rows on the stalls of the fish markets in big towns by the Red Sea. They are sold for about 2 euros per kilo. You find lots of small specimens, and not many large as the latter has become rare. Above all the general human attitude towards sharks is exemplified in the pages of local papers and on the internet where stories of fishermen in which tourists are viciously attacked depict sharks as fearful predators who swim the length of the Red Sea.The shark is widely and willfully misunderstood and suffers from this 'monster' stereotype when in fact the shark desperately needs our protection. The shark always plays the bad part, and its flesh is not appreciated except for the fins. He is only valued as a tourist attraction for divers who seek a unique encounter with a king of the sea.
In the South-East shark meat is thought to offer properties of physical and sexual stimulation (not at all proved and totally unfounded) and is in high demand. A growing Asian tradition serves shark fin soup at weddings. Previously considered a luxury, the increase of average income of the population means that shark fins have become more and more accessible. This explains why globally over 100 million sharks are caught per year.There are several dozen species of shark which exist in the Red Sea. The intensity of overfishing has considerable consequences for the marina fauna as the shark is an essential part of the food chain. The shark sits at the top of this chain, and its endangerment therefore presents a serious imbalance to the marine ecosystem.
The threat to sharks is made more serious because of its delayed sexual maturity and tendency to have only a small number of young. Until about forty years ago, they were without enemy and only fished by accident. Today, they are specifically targetted by fishing boats. The length of the coastlines and the lack of materials are the main reasons that fishing control is rarely effective. But the lack of political will and absence of extensive conservation policies, not just in tourism areas, explains the sharp decline in shark populations.
Having existed for 400 million years on earth, the shark deserves our attention.
To find out more, click here
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Sharks: the craze in Egypt!
Date: June 03, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Marie-Emilie Guélé
On the egyptian beaches one particular incident will always be remembered, that of a german tourist being killed by a shark in the waters of Sharm El Sheikh. This accident occurred following two other attacks the preceeding week.The shark is always stereotyped as a bloody monster, an image encouraged by the trend for gory shark films spawned by Jaws, yet this accident forms part of a very low global average of only 5 mortal shark attacks per year.
All divers say the same: that the shark is a curious and inquisitive fish and not naturally aggressive. Attacks by sharks very often have clear explanations: unwelcome entry into the animal's territory, swimming at night, harassment by groups of snorkellers, irritation from flash photography which can make them aggressive, attempts to come too close or touch them, or unnatural feeding by humans. The sharks also approach the coasts due to lack of food caused by overfishing and are attracted to waste and sewage from boats that is discharged into the sea.
One factor that can contribute to the cause of attacks is the feeding of sharks by tourism professionals. This practice is unfortunately very common in order to guarantee the thrill of meeting with a shark to satisfy diving tourists and snorkellers, and alters their behaviour.
However, the most likely explanation for the events in Sharm El Sheikh lies elsewhere. "The sharks were used to being fed by a person who later ceased to feed them, and then they have to seek other prey," as indicated by a member of the South Sinai Conservation organisation, a government body responsible for environmental protection in the area. Egypt is no exception to the phenomenon of overfishing which causes the sharks to starve by drastically diminishing the populations of their natural prey. An established theory by egyptian experts, and one that was made public to the media, was a particular illegal dumping of sheep carcasses by the coast by boats which also helps to explain the attacks.
Sharks are not the predators we think they are: they most often attack the weakest fish, and are essential in culling fish populations making these stronger, rather than than the murderous killers they are thought to be. They are fundamental to the equilibrium of the marine food chain, keeping down the numbers of species populations that would otherwise remain unchecked and become imbalanced.
Remember that humans kill more than 100 million sharks every year!
Who is the predator?
At this rate the most targetted species of sharks will be extinct in less than twenty years. A number of associations have been established for their protection .To find out more visit here "the responsibilities of the eco-diver"
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Diving in Egypt: protection or threat ?
Date: Mai 31, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Daniel Krupka
The destination highlight for all european diving, the Red Sea is well frequented and can be reached by plane in just a few hours from most european airports. Tourists flock here for the colour and diversity of the sea beds. Attracting a great number of tourists every year, diving is at the same time presents an opportunity and a threat to local biodiversity.
Diving can be seen as an opportunity because during a recession, the incentive to preserve the reefs and corals is all the more felt in order to ensure that the divers return, having enjoyed a good experience.But the rapid growth of buildings and structures erected to cater for the demands of mass tourism, with no thought for the environment, constitutes an equally strong threat.
The necessary solutions for sustainable tourism include the implementation of urban regulations, management of fumes and rubbish, restriction of tourist boats, and the frequency the sites are visited. Also key is a vision for the economic stakes in the short and long term, the establishment of controls on tourism, and the will to preserve the parameters essential to the survival of the reefs and their wildlife in the Red Sea.
For tourists going to the Red Sea, considering the overcrowding of the sites by the number of hords of divers, it is imperative that they follow the precautionary regulations for diving courses.
For guidance on the correct conduct for diving, consult here " the responsibilities of the eco-diver "
Translation: Hermione Fricker
A magic night shift
Date: Mai 31, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Having identified five beautiful coral heads, Fleur de Passion lies anchored on the Bassala reef, in southern Egypt. A significant wind of twenty knots means the night shift is quite a task. Tonight, it's necessary to keep an eye on wind direction and the strength of the mooring lines. At the moment it is around 20.00h and a roast is being cooked for supper! Each shift is different, some draw the short straw, while others devote themselves to the more difficult hours of the day. The 0.00-03.00 shift is not a time that anybody wants. To bed, wake up and go back to bed ... rather an effort. However, these hours are the only ones that offer a bit of tranquility and the opportunity to feel alone on the boat. Tonight it is not too humid and it is pleasant to spend the shift outside. Some noises seem to sound in time with the swaying of the boat: the hull moving through the water, the flag flapping in the wind or the touch of the waves breaking against the reef. Away from light pollution the sky tonight is magical. The Milky Way pierces the night and tens of thousands of stars appear. On the surface of the water, bright spots of light seem to flash frantically. These lights are emitted by noctilucent, bioluminescent zooplankton. The sight is so fascinating that it is difficult to go back to bed. Tonight the 0h-3h shift is magical and the night will end on the bridge, mind in the stars.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
3D modelisation
Date: Mai 26, 2011Author: Ronald Menzel - Photography: Jeff Goddman
A team of 3D modelisation specialists ison board Fleur de Passion to develop different interactive 3D models based on real Red Sea diving sites. Internet users will be able to virtually explore the Red Sea as if they were divers.
The project is run in the frame of a European research project whose objective is to digitalize seafloor sites in 3D imagery, edit interactive virtual animated environments that integrate submarine video games and available audiovisual contents. The aim is to diffuse it on-line to valorize and promote what is real beneath the water surface.
The project OCEAN 3D/5D is a unique collaboration between the Changing Ocean expedition and
the film production company PINKAU Entertainment, Germany.
The project OCEAN 3D/5D will produce an impressive underwater movie in stereoscopic 3D shot with those latest technologies (full digital 3D). We wish to captivate the audience with unique underwater scenes from the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aquaba, Egyptian National Parks as well as from swarms of tuna around Malta.
Thanks to this brilliant digital 3D technique one gets the feeling of literally diving into the ocean and living the magical and indescribable beauty of the underwater world. Becoming a virtual crew on the expedition, the public will also be able to experience the work and life on board of Fleur de Passion, and will feel the excitement of sailing in storms, watching dolphins playing at the bow or setting up equipment for amazing dives.
For those people connected to the Internet, but who will maybe never dive, virtual diving offers a unique alternative to real diving, immediately available, without cost and in all safety.
Suddenly, as the sea becomes transparent, they can see and understand the importance of the oceans. For the first time in history, digital technologies open the undersea world to the public in general. For divers, virtual diving will allow them to discover the diving sites from their homes before their vacation and is an incentive to repeat the experience.
Furthermore, once implemented, the system will facilitate the surveillance and the follow up of evolution of marine ecosystems and of their biodiversity, which is one of the major ecological concerns in the Red Sea.
PINKAU Entertainment is an independent movie production company based in the North of Germany which specialized in 3D stereoscopic movie production. Thomas Pinkau founded PINKAU in 1990 to offer high quality entertainment. The company has over 20 years experience and worked on over 5000 projects worldwide in the entertainment and movie business. PINKAU developed new high-tech equipment already in the 1990's which was used in digitalizing in 3D several movie and virtual reality productions. PINKAU produce complex stereoscopic imagery on land, under water and from the air. The postproduction for digital 3D films is done with state of the
art 3D production tools (amongst others they were used for productions such as : 'Avatar 3D', U23D, Street Dance 3D).
St. John's in three dimensions
Date: Mai 26, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
After Malta and Ras Mohamed (Sinai), Holger Tauer again crosses the bridge connecting the dock to the boat. Once the bulky and heavy equipment is on board, he doesn't lose a minute. Sitting cross-legged on the deck, he assembles the various parts of his underwater camera case, disassembled for the plane flight. "Homemade", it weighs about twenty pounds and contains two cameras (Canon 5D). To his knowledge, he is the only one practicing underwater film-maker using video in 3D with this type of device "but there must be others," he said. He chooses to use this equipment, because "the objectives are of outstanding quality and the sensitivity is better compared to conventional cameras. Beautiful pictures are a reward for hard work. Preparation of the material takes a good half hour and lowering it into the water requires assistance. "To offset the buoyancy of the box, I need to weigh it down about twenty pounds. The weights have to be passed to me once in the water and then again when I come to the surface." Underwater, I almost need a third hand to manage my inflator, compensating for the water pressure on my ears and clearing my mask from time to time." Holger is now used to all this and moves along the reef of Saint John's with ease. The images from his memory card will be the centerpiece of an 18-minute film presented initially in German and European cinema.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Overfishing in the Red Sea
Date: Mai 19, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: HEPCA
In the 1980s, dynamite was still being used for fishing in the Red Sea. Shark fishing is now banned in Egypt but current measures to control such practices do not in any way guarantee that they have ceased. There is great temptation to persist with this method to keep up with neighbours from the opposite coast line who continue to benefit financially from dynamiting. Life on the Red Sea revolves essentially around the coral reefs. Other than that, there is little activity. Traditional fishing methods yield few returns. Around the reefs, fishermen use clubs to beat the coral just below the surface. By-catch is retained and even angelfish are used as bait for the much sought after octopus.
One of the real problems is tourism. Holidaymakers will try anything- from the grouper and hump head wrasse, to the rarely found parrotfish (our divers confirm their depleted numbers). Another concern is China's influence on the flourishing trade in sea cucumbers, consequently destabilising the ecosystem. Finally, indiscriminate and excessive fishing during breeding seasons continues, disturbing the reproductive cycle.
So where does the solution lie? On a local level, regulations and stronger sanctions need to be enforced. Another possibility might be to review the role of fishermen in these waters and find other areas where their knowledge could be put to good use.
As for the millions of holidaymakers who visit the Red Sea each year, more awareness of the effects that fish consumption has on the reefs is needed, and should be encouraged.
Scientific Mission Accomplished
Date: Mai 15, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Anne-Kristell Jouan
For almost ten years, Ben Halpern and his team have been committed to building a world map highlighting the human impact on the oceans. To validate their predictions, they came on board Fleur de Passion for the second time. After the northern coast of Morocco, they address the coral reefs of the Red Sea. From the south of Hurghada in Egypt, they were able to cover sixteen sites in two weeks. The team of five divers focused on exploring the abundance of marine fauna (fish and invertebrates) and studying the coral forms. According to their initial predictions, they expected to find degraded reefs in the north and virtually untouched reefs in the south, because of pressure from tourism and fishing (For more information). At the end of the mission though Ben has a few surprises: "Contrary to what we had imagined, we did not find sites which are intact, preserved from any human impact. Coral reefs are generally in better condition in southern Egypt, however, there are thankfully several well preserved sites in the north as well. " To protect the Red Sea and satisfy everyone, "it is fundamental to establish marine protected areas: reserve certain sites for divers, and fishermen and to deny access to some coral reefs to give them time to recover " proposes Ben. With the creation of the map of human impact in the Red Sea, he hopes that the future government and local institutions will be able to improve management of resources. "The oceans have an unexpected capacity to regenerate, allowing us to expect big improvements. One must not be defeatist, there are always solutions. We are all responsible for our actions and daily decisions. Everyone is responsable for making efforts to preserve the ocean."
Translation: Hermione Fricker
The bell tolls for the last dugongs
Date: Mai 12, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: HEPCA
When one is at the Red Sea, one speaks mostly of sharks and dolphins. We forget the dugong, an animal which has become discrete with its 17 individuals identified between Hurghada and El Shalatin (200 km away from the Sudanese border). The dugongs are rapidly declining.
The dugong, a placid animal, has no natural defenses if only its size (around 2.5-3 meters long), for a weight of approximately 500 kg. As an herbivore, the dugongs graze on marine plantlife along the shallow ocean floors. This is how they got their surname of 'sea cow'. As such, this species is very reliant on the underwater 'grass', which is constantly degraded by dredging and through the urbanization of the coast. It is also a victim of dangers such as fish nets and boat propellers.
The dugongs' natural habitat is also degraded by pollution generated during the construction of tourist resorts and during their operation (production of waste water, garbage, etc). The projected growth of the tourist industry is unfortunately not heading in the right direction as far as the dugongs are concerned. Protecting the natural environment is not of great concern to promoters forced to build, lest they should lose the terrain they have been allocated. But in the long run, who would want to stay in a resort bordering a lifeless strip of ocean?
In order to change the direction the government is following, two NGOs are mounting the front: HEPCA and TENDUA. They have set up a data collection system allowing the identifications of the animals and the areas they mostly frequent. In parallel, they are working to stimulate individual awareness and for the adoption of a comprehensive, protective behavior leading to the creation or expansion of marine protected areas.
As for the economic point of view, HEPCA has estimated that the revenues generated by the presence of the dugong in Mars Abu Dabbab were of 18000$ in 2007. The extinction of the dugong along the Egyptian coastline will enrich no one. Will this number be sufficient to obtain protection for the dugongs, via the creation or expansion of marine protected areas around their habitats?
The future of dugongs in the Red Sea depends on us, our choices and our will to return some regeneration space to Nature, where species such as the dugong may live in peace.
To learn more, visit the web sites TENDUA and HEPCA and also our topics about the DUGONG
Translation: Julian Spierings
A change of crew, and a change of command
Date: Mai 10, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Anne-Kristell Jouan
A new and major change for Fleur de Passion. In the space of an afternoon the cabins are filled with new faces, or known ones returning. Vincent will soon take command of the ship and Yffig the place of the bosco. A brief nap after the journey and then to work! A chime of the bell sounds on the quay - it is time for comestible refuelling. The crew make a chain on deck so food can be passed from hand to hand down to the storeroom. At the bottom, standing on the bench domestic coordinator Mary organizes the stores, "We will store cookies here, milk can go there and that place is reserved for vegetables". The completion of a long and tedious task: writing menus, creating an inventory of food, rigorous planning and estimation of food quantities and preparation of the shopping list that made several tours of the city before all its items could be crossed off! The next day, divers go for their next mission to the south and the crew sets sail in the direction of Abu Rimâthi, a small island a short distance away. This is an opportunity for everyone to take their bearings and get to know each other before continuing the mission with the divers. In a few days, the boat will host a grand total of 18 people and movement around the ship will be difficult. Meanwhile, Mahmood takes control of the kitchen and prepares for us "shourba Samak", or fish soup, while teaching Egyptian to Yann and Julien. "Whahed, etnine, Talat, Arba..." one, two, three, four... it will be a good use of time during their shifts!
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Urbanism and tourism : really the right choice ?
Date: Mai 09, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: HEPCA
The United Nations for Environment indicate that the chief threat for the ecosystems in the Red Sea are related to intense tourism. On a visit to Egypt, one finds without exaggeration that the country is a vast construction site almost exclusively geared towards the tourist industry.
Egypt follows in the concrete footsteps of the Spanish Costa Brava or the coasts of Provence in France. Although urbanisation has been unsuccessful in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, in the north of Egypt, the country continues the urbanising momentum and attacks the south with further development.
The construction of hotels is uncontrolled and results in the addition of artificial beaches, desalination works, electricity plants and waste water treatment plants along the coast. The impact of all this on the sea is considerable despite efforts on the part of the hotels to pay attention to some environmental measures. One will notice, for example, the installations of wind turbines or the call for water conservation in hotels.
The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) has been actively campaigning for more unified and harmonious development and encouraging centralised construction of hotels further back from the coast. They meet with a number of difficulties. Even though the southern region remains more idyllic for most visitors, some people return disappointed from their trip noticing the rapid degradation of the environment. Only awareness of the fragility of the ecosystems can ensure environmental protection measures of one of the most beautiful marine landscapes and seabeds in the world.
What can we do as individuals? There do exist attempts at ecotourism initiatives which are important to promote. Tent accomodation, in limited quantity, offers vistors a true change of scenery whilst conserving local resources. It is up to us to choose.
Magic night dive
Date: Mai 04, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Anne-Kristell Jouan
We are moored near the reef of Satayea in southern Egypt, where after Sunset we are surrounded by deep darkness. There is less tourism here than in the north and we see hardly any lights to indicate the coast line. Just two illuminated boats give us some reference points.
It is 8 o'clock in the evening and the deck is covered with diving gear. Agnès, Jeff, Léo and Mimi are preparing for a night dive. Equipped with special lighting gear and compass they descend into the dark waters, intruding upon an unknown world of mystery. Feelings of exitement and anxiety are stirred as they embark upon this underwater adventure .
Mimi explores the entire reef in detail, whilst keeping alert for any signs on sharks ! "Each moment is a discovery". She remarks once safely back on board, "Beyond the beam of my torch lies only mystery".
At night, when marine predators hunt, species of prey use incredible tricks to hide and protect themselves. "As one example, the parrot fish creates a strange bubble of mucus isolating his smell around him, which makes him undetectable to predators. We can consequently get very close, almost touching him" explains Léo.
An hour later a pale blue light nears the surface and Agnès appears from the depths. She tells us "It was unbelievable how many particles and zooplancton were dancing in the beam of my flashlight".
Tonight, for a brief moment, the magic of underwater night life is ventured upon by the most daring of our divers.
Translation: Sabina Foeth
Millions of waste to process
Date: Mai 02, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: HEPCA
Tourism represents the third source of income for Egypt, and a fifth of the hotels in this country are located on the coast of the Red Sea. Without strict waste management, they rapidly pile up along the coast before inevitably ended up in the sea, where they deteriorate coastal and marine ecosystems. When not treated or burned, this waste pollutes the air and befoul the local environment. While some hotels do efficiently manage their waste disposal, much improvement is still necessary.
HEPCA, an association turned towards environmental protection has been given the responsability ofwaste management in the Marsa Alam region since 2009. This comprises in waste collection, sorting, recycling and final processing. Two hundred kilometers of coastline are combed for waste collection. This waste is then transported to the recycling center, implanted in Marsa Alam. The project has social and local impact, creating jobs for the locals and by helping certain industries recycle.
The system which has been set up is unique. For the first time, an NGO is responsible fort he entirety of the recycling process. HEPCA's project is financially self-sufficient and contributes to the government's budget, as well as to the social and environmental well-being of the Marsa Alam region.
The success of this project will hopefully spread to other regions. But it must not be forgotten that a decrease in the amount of waste generated remains the primary and most efficient manner to avoid a visual pollution which is detrimental to all.
It is urgent to act now. There are behaviors that everyone can adopt to in order to implement immediate changes.
To find out more, click here
Translation: Julian Spierings
A mysterious starfish : crown of thorn
Date: April 28, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Daniel Krupka
The disappearance of the islets and coral reefs in the Red Sea can be due in part to a mysterious starfish: the Crown of Thorn. Named as such because it is covered with spikes all over its body. It is an invasive species of starfish, red in color, which invades the reefs to feed off the precious coral.
It is impossible to collect these invaders by hand as contact with their spikes is very painful and results in nausea and vomiting.
These starfish can reach as much as 40cm in diameter, and they cannot be blown up, cut up or crushed as this only causes them to multiply, rather like the Hydra in Greek Mythology.
With great potential for destruction, they climb the reefs and can annihilate 6 m² of coral each year. These starfish have also modified their behavior, as previously they would only feed at night, whereas now they feed in daylight. Their population has significantly grown since the 1970s due to overfishing, which has meant the disappearance of their predators (shrimps, giant triton and other coral fish such as the napoleon or humphead wrasse or the triggerfish). In 1998, a significant invasion of crown of thorn damaged the entire northern part of the Red Sea, from Quoseir to Sharm El Sheikh. The site of Careless, to the north east of Hurghada, well-known to divers, was almost entirely devoured by these gluttons. The recovery rate is fortunately effective today, although the improvement still seems slow in the grand scheme of things, because it is estimated it will take about 15 years to see a total recovery in cases of short and intense growth.
For scientists, occasional efforts to catch crown of thorn is insufficient: it is imperative to have a long-term project plan in place to ensure the conservation of the reefs. In a poor state the capacity to revive the reefs is rapidly exceeded by the combined effects of human activities and the predation of the crown of thorn.
To find out more, click here
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Hard to find a sea cucumber in the Red Sea
Date: April 21, 2011Author: Marie-Emilie Guélé - Photography: HEPCA
Holothurians, commonly named sea cucumbers, have almost completely disappeared from the Red Sea due to overfishing. But what interest can we possibly have in these big, dark worms which are constantly static on the ocean floors and devoid for the most part of any aesthetics?
As it turns out, sea cucumbers are a rare delicacy in China, Hong Kong, and Singapour, due to their taste and to their medicinal properties. The chinese call them 'sea ginger', which gives you an idea of how much they are appreciated.
In 1998, Egypt became the largest supplier in sea cucumbers, after other regions of the globe saw their holothurian populations become decimated. Victim of its own success, Egypt was not able to regulate this type of fishing adequately. Stocks of sea cucumbers collapsed within only three years, following an increasing unregulated fishing, an ever increasing demand, and a price per kilo constantly more appealing. The price for one kilo can exceed 370 dollars.
After several disagreements due to conflicting interests, the fishing of sea cucumbers was prohibited in order to allow the stocks to reconstitute themselves. According to scientific studies,
it will take more than 50 years before a possible and uncertain positive evolution of the holothurian population.
The environmental impact of the extinction of sea cucumbers for the corals is uncertain, but they appear to play an important role in the provision of nutrients essential for the survival of the corals.
A happy winner
Date: April 19, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Yvain Genevay
Ten days on board Fleur de Passion - the prize gained by Joelle, 22 years old, as the winner of a competition in the Swiss newspaper "Le Matin".
Out
of the 4000 readers who have tried their chances since December, she did not dream of being the winner. She says, "I took part by chance. Then I
believed that I had won only a small prize, a type of comb, but when I realised, I jumped for joy: I had won an experience on Fleur de Passion
including the opportunity to go diving. I did synchronised swimming for thirteen years and I dreamed of going to the Red Sea. This adventure was made for me!"
Joelle chose to come on board with her boyfriend, Alisson. Both of them participated in life onboard as an eco volunteer. "I love the idea of living on a boat, with a crew, and travelling" exclaims Joelle. Today they will have the opportunity to see dolphins, and in a few days will return to Geneva with suitcases full of memories. Another couple is expected in the same way next Autumn.
Are artificial reefs the solution?
Date: April 17, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
Coral reefs are one of the most varied life forms on the planet and can be compared to tropical forests in terms of biodiversity. As we know, corals are constantly under threat and efforts are needed to curb the loss. Attempts have therefore been made to find ways to recreate reefs in recent years. In Eilat, researchers have been looking into ways that favour the development and proliferation of coral reefs.
The idea of creating artificial reefs in the Red Sea was first considered some years ago. As with any project, it took some time to actually set this venture in motion and thus create the largest artificial reef in the world. The reef was jointly designed by scientists from the National Center for Mariculture at Ben Gurion University (Eilat campus), the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science at Eilat, and by researchers from Aquaba Marine Science Station. It showcases a new and unique approach to conservation efforts in the Red Sea, with on-going cooperation between Israel and Jordan.
Further improved artificial reefs are foreseen off the Jordanian coast of the Red Sea and at Eilat. JREDS (The Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan), an NGO with whom the Changing Oceans Expedition works in Jordan, have launched a campaign to culture coral. The artificial reef is called « Reef Arabesk » so-named after the arabesque form. The reef sits at a depth of between 10 and 15 metres. In the past, around 60 species of fish such as the hump-head wrasse and the ghost pipefish could be found. It will take about 5 years for complete re-colonisation of the reef to take place.
Any improvement in biodiversity takes time, even assuming that no further threats will slow down the process.
Threats to coral
Date: April 11, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
Coral reefs are the most dramatically affected regions of the oceans, facing a multitude of threats. We estimate that by 2050 half of the coral will have disappeared. Global warming caused by humans and the resulting water temperature fluctuations (an average increase of 0.6 degrees over the last 100 years) means that even a small rise in temperature (above 30 degrees) causes the stressed animal to detach from the algae which supplies 70% of it's food.
Without this symbiotic relationship, the coral dies and leaves behind a white calcareous skeleton. This phenomenon can already be seen in the Red Sea.
More insidiously, increased levels of carbon dioxide also have repercussions in the water. Due to increased acidification, the calcium carbonate which makes up the coral simply dissolves.
Damage to these fragile reefs is also directly attributed to man's exploitation of the coral for jewellery, trawling and fishing using dynamite. Pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, hydrocarbons, turbid waters, chemical and oil spills also contribute to the destruction. Tourism and damage from divers' fins are on the increase, in direct proportion to the beauty of the sites and the absence of marine protected areas which must now be set up urgently.
In fact, coral represents the synthesis of all the dangers and threats facing our oceans today. However, there are solutions and actions that can avoid a worse-case scenario.
You can find them here
Translation: Elizabeth Lake
The pressure is released...
Date: April 11, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Daniel Krupka
An intense week of diving ends with a spectacular reward. On Tuesday, a whale shark came to feed 50m from the boat. Seb Julien and Marie-Emilie did not hesitate to put on their fins and don their masks and snorkels to observe this spectacular sight. In the meantime, Marie-Emilie and Leo met different people specialising in Marine Protected Areas, fisheries and artificial reefs. The week ended with an open afternoon for students from Aman. The team can now have a well-deserved rest for a few days before the next project.
Translation: Anja Mizdrak
Dolphinarium: a prison for a short life !
Date: April 07, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: HEPCA
As has been seen, tourism has a significant impact on dolphin populations.
Some would argue that seeing dolphins in a dolphinarium is a solution, to avoid the increase of boat trips.
This is not the case as it will only feed a lucrative market where the dolphin is traded for around $ 30,000!
Needless to say that the animal trainers who come to select animals destined for the industry are going to select individuals that meet the criteria for orders placed by the dolphinariums.
These animals are sorted, mothers and babies are separated, but the issue is the same for all: they are killed to be eaten, or captured to be resold with a life expectancy reduced from 45 to 15 years for a bottlenose (Flipper the dolphin)! It is this lucrative business that has led, over time, to the massacre of thousands of cetaceans.
Although most species of dolphins aren't threatened today, they may soon also be at risk if these practices continue. And the numbers estimated are very imprecise. As long as the commercialisation of dolphins continues, alive or dead, it represents a significant economic interest and the fishermen have an incentive not to report their figures...
Nonetheless, one can imagine that these former fishermen hunters could become rangers or guides and use their knowledge to take tourists to see one of the most beautiful sights there is: dolphins free in the wild...
Your action in this area is simple: don't visit the dolphinariums! They are not a place of amusement, but really a place where intelligent beings are kept in captivity and exploited.
More information about the dolphins, click here
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Diving in Jordan
Date: April 05, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
The pace is intense on board Fleur de Passion. The team welcome aboard scientists and environmentalists from Jordan for two dives each day. Most of the sites studied are implanted artificial reefs that have been there ten years. Wrecks and waste litter the ground. The growth of the corals is very slow and the scientists estimate it will take several decades for the ecosystem to recover.
Another site attracts the attention of the crew, close to the Saudi border, where sulphur is extracted and loaded onto the boats. The marine landscape is a melancholy desolation and the human impact is very real as volumes of waste water collect around the mounds of sulphur.
TOURISM: enough for the cetaceans !
Date: April 04, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
Many tourist offers promise an experience with the dolphins in the Red Sea. The dolphin is presented as nothing more than this, an enchanting experience for young or old. Six to eight species could be present in the waters of the Egyptian Red Sea. But it is above all the dolphin with the long nose which is most often experienced by tourists. These dolphins have a friendly nature and have been and remain an attraction for the millions of tourists.
Before 2003, at certain sites such as Dolphin House, a place of rest, reproduction and education for a hundred dolphins, up to 40 ships were counted and hundreds of tourists on certain days, thus reaching an unbearable situation.
If encounters with animals enchant us, solutions must be found before the situation becomes detrimental for the dolphins with one single measure of protection as key: the ban of access to sites so that cetaceans can be preserved.
At Dolphin House access to the lagoon has been forbidden since 2003, and rangers watch over it. A channel has been maintained, through which one can gain access by palm-mask-snorkel and by paying a fee of which a third goes towards the management of the reserves, and two thirds to the government.
This example makes one think: it is possible that the colony would desert a premises, and abandon a site frequented for thousands of years. In 2003, their number seriously diminished. But the area has been classified as reserved and the dolphins have regained their quietude. An encounter is always possible at the edge of the site, but it is now up to the dolphins to choose when they meet the tourists and not the reverse.
These protection solutions must now be maintained at sites well-known for exploitation by the tourist industry and also to preserve others from future exploitation.
This will require more time and effort!
More information about the dolphins : click here
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Arrival at Aqaba (Jordan)
Date: April 01, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Daniel KRUPKA
Suddenly Sebastien orders the crew to bring in the zodiac and in record time the weather plunges us into a storm. Everybody secures items and possessions on board and prepares to head North in the direction of Aqaba, for the strait of Tiran.
With a headwind of 30 knots and the current against us, Fleur de Passion braves the brusque and unrelenting waves. Everybody clings on as best they can as the ship rocks violently for hours without respite. We continue to navigate through the night with an average speed of just four knots. 36 hours later Egypt lies to starboard, Israel and Jordan ahead, and Saudi Arabia to port. We are in the gulf of Aqaba, concious of the geopolitical significance of the regions surrounding us.
Our local partners and the Jordanian authorities are there to greet us warmly as we arrive in the Marina of Aquaba. We are welcomed as a family and all gather together for a meeting to discuss and plan the next project.
HEPCA and the dolphins
Date: March 31, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
HEPCA, Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association, has recently launched the Red Sea Dolphin Project, the first scientific research project entirely dedicated to the study of dolphins in the Red Sea with the aim of identifing their critical habitats.
HEPCA possesses some information about certain well-known sites (exploited by the tourist industry), but nothing more comprehensive.
This project will provide data essential for describing the habits of these marine mammals, with activities such as:
- Researching dolphins in the deep sea and the reefs
- Collecting scientific data about the principal groups of marine organisms
- Monitoring of dolphins during the night (using hydrophone)
HEPCA has a long history in this area including the establishment of regulations for boat trips to swim or see the dolphins that remain inadequately supervised.
HEPCA is convinced that the direct involvement of the public is vital in order to make preservation and protection initiatives truly effective.
The goal is to raise awareness, in particular amongst the many tourists and their children for whom it is important to appreciate and accept that this wildlife cannot always be accessible, and they must resist the temptation to see everything at any cost, whether in the wild or at a dolphinarium.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Sharm El Sheikh, recreating a coral pinnacle
Date: March 25, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
This week Fleur de Passion crosses over to Sharm El Sheikh. Accompanied by the team from the Deutsches Meeres Museum, the crew begins a fascinating quest: to model a coral pinnacle. In this way, it will be possible to accurately reconstruct the pinnacle in the German museum, without taking anything away from the natural environment.
The days adapt to a rhythm where three dives take place daily. For the divers this means tea and biscuits are partaken cheerfully at 6 in the morning! They must find a suitable pinnacle, to take measurements and arrange about 60 markers, formed of little discs over the structure. Once prepared, the star is photographed from every angle. The photos will then be loaded into a special type of software which locates the markers and in this way accurately models the pinnacle.
This is mammoth work and by evening the crew have really earnt their supper : lamb with a creamy mushroom sauce, served with an Egyptian specialty made from aubergine. Everyone licks their lips and thanks Adel and Hassan, the Egyptian dive master and skipper, for the local touch.
Diving in Hurghada
Date: March 24, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: HEPCA
Hurghada is the biggest tourist centre in the whole of Egypt, the reason for this being its proximity to more than 60 diving sites, spread from North to South over more than 40kms and 15kms from East to West respectively. It is also the departure point for numerous diving trips to the North and South of the Red Sea.
Visits to the diving spots around Hurghada are very high. Sometimes we see more than 20 boats bringing to these sites not only qualified divers and those with snorkelling equipment but also trainee divers and tourists diving for the first time. The most crowded areas are, of course, those that can be reached easily and quickly. For those that are furthest away, there are usually 2 or 3 boats at each site, whatever the season.
From this it is easy to understand the problems caused by the hordes of under-water visitors who do not all have respect for the environment and who, quite simply, through their repeated visits, disturb the sensitive natural habitat.
Fortunately, efforts made by the Egyptian government for several years now contribute to the preservation of these sites. Nevertheless, past descriptions of the undersea world compared to the current situation show a slow but significant deterioration of the region's biodiversity. Of course, tourism in this area is not the only cause. But what a difference between the Red Sea as it appeared to the COUSTEAU team in their films of the 1950's and the density of marine life observed today!
Even for the recently initiated diver, changes in the fauna and the coral reefs have visibly occurred these last ten years and about one quarter of the sites show signs of deterioration.
The solution lies is controlling much more closely the diving population which currently numbers about 80,000 each year per site in Hurghada!
And for the divers themselves to respect certain rules set out here!
Translation: Aileen McRoberts
Encounters in the waters of the Red Sea
Date: March 17, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
Treasures of surprising biodiversity lie hidden in the waters of the Red Sea. Putting one's head under the water wearing a simple diving mask, one discovers an amazing and bountiful technicolour world - a celebration of shape and colour that appears before your eyes and captivates even the most blasé of observers.
Obviously, there are numerous fish, such as the Red Grouper, a large fish red fish spotted with blue, or the multicoloured Parrot fish, powerfully crushing coral in its beak, or the Surgeonfish, recognisable by the erectile crescent-shape of its tail fin, sharp as a scalpel. Moray eels, which can also be found in the rocks, are fish and not snakes despite their impressive length and their jaws which are continuously moving. In the anemones on the coral "Nemo", the orange-and-white striped clown fish, twists and turns incessantly.
Finally, the luckiest or the fearless can encounter the lords of the sea such as the sharks - that we shall talk about again - and the magestic manta rays which are becoming increasingly rare, and the barracudas with their formidable teeth. But let's also not forget the tortoises, threatened and so clumsy on land, but so gracious in the water.
Obviously, it is not possible to name all of the 1200 species of fish that populate this region: angelfish, napoleons, boxfish, trunkfish are all equally present is this wonderfully colourful universe, the object of numerous diving expeditions in these hospitable waters. A feast for the eyes.
To preserve them is also not to disturb them, not to feed them nor to fish them. Simply to do nothing other than contemplate them, so that they continue to live and that we continue to be amazed.
To preserve biodiversity when sailing, some tricks and tips can be found here.
Translation: Aileen McRoberts
HEPCA welcomes us in Hurghada
Date: March 15, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Fleur de Passion has arrived in Hurghada. The bright sun is announcing spring time: cool temperature and turquoise waters...
We are warmly welcomed by the local NGO HEPCA, who has been achieving remarkable and exemplary work in conservation and preservation of the envrionment over many years. They also strongly support the local communities with their sustainable development projects.
The atmosphere is very quiet in this usually busy tourist area, after the recent events, of which the population is proud and happy.
Today was time for a crew change. Vincent, the skipper, handed over the boat to Sebastien who will be skipping Fleur de Passion for the coming weeks. Daniel, our radio reporter, has also joined to head the following mission with the Deutsches Meeres Museum. We are happy to continue our collaboration with the museum in the Red Sea after last year's experience in the Baltic Sea.
Translation: Sabina Foeth
Coral reefs: the potatoes of the Red Sea
Date: March 14, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
In French they are called "the potatoes of the Red Sea" but they are certainly not vegetables.
Corals are animals and consist of individual polyps that live in colonies. During their lifetimes they build exoskeletons, which over subsequent generations will give rise to coral reefs. In order to develop and grow, corals rely on the presence of unicellular algae called zooxanthellae. They have a symbiotic relationship, with the coral receiving energy and nutrients, while the algae receive shelter and a supply of carbon dioxide.
Coral reefs cover thousands of kilometres of the world's ocean floor and have taken millions of years to form. They are unique in harmoniously combining the animal, vegetable and mineral worlds. Incredible structures with undiscovered secrets.
Upon close observation, corals also appear to have an extraordinary understanding of mathematics, evident in the patterns and designs unique to each species. The intricacies of beauty and geometry are intertwined. For those in the know, even geometric fractals and the "Divine Proportion" can be perceived.
Beauty through organised chaos... A visual delight for divers and snorkelers in the Red Sea...
More information about corals can be found in our topic "coral" by clicking here
Translation: Aileen McRoberts
Welcome to Disneyland
Date: March 11, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
A few weeks ago we did not yet imagine to reach the coast near Hurghada not knowing what would be happening in Egypt. Today we have arrived, safely moored in a beautiful marina - not a single piece of paper lying on the floor - a world apart, very different from the one outside. Sabina compares it to Disneyland, with the colourful appartment complexes along the quai: varying from red to orange, yellow to blue. The tourists are absent, the many restaurants empty and we are very welcome as customers in the area. The arrival in Hurghada means departure for some of us. Luana (15 years old) and Dylan (17 years old) just spent a month on board of Fleur de Passion. They have worked hard, as crew members, participating in all daily tasks (helming, manoeuvre, cooking) and we will all certainly miss them. Both proud of their new experience, they are nevertheless happy to go back home to their families and friends. Luana, who initially joined to please her parents is eager to share the experiences of the last weeks with them.
The Red Sea: is it red?
Date: March 10, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
The first dive or swim in the Red Sea confirms immediately that it is one of the saltiest seas in the world, and presents one of the richest and most concentrated areas of marine life.
But the sight of its blue waters inevitably raises the question: why is the Red Sea named "Red" when it is clearly intense blue?
The answer to this mystery is that at certain times it is in fact effectively red. This is due to a phenomenon caused by a type of algae called Trichodesmium Erythraeum. At the time when these algae finish flowering, the blue-green colour of the sea seems to change to a reddish brown colour. These variations of blue-green around the massive corals that attract the attention of many visitors, are generated by the variations in the depth of the water, and reliefs of coral reefs. These grow in an ideal environment, in a semi-constant temperature of between 20-30°C with minimal sedimentation thanks to the low currents, a lack of rain and thus a high salinity. If the viewer wishes to contemplate the magic of the colours of the water's surface, he is immediately drawn to the seabed beneath, where the perfect clarity and the temperature of the water renders it possible to dive throughout the year.
And there are more than 1000 species of invertebrates, nearly 200 types of coral and more than 1000 species of fish to discover in this natural environment, which presents such an incredible feast of biodiversity for the eyes!
Translation: Hermione Fricker
A canal of freighters
Date: March 03, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
At first glance, few people dreamed of the Suez Canal, apart from Lesseps and his team who laboured for so long to make it materialise. Like a flag on a world map and a day highlighted on the calendar, it is still an important passage for all seafarers. It is a first for Vincent, the captain, who cannot hide his excitement. It is a bit like a road constantly under construction where the traffic alternates. The canal's width would allow for two boats to pass abreast, but the depth allows only one. The freighters plough the water so much that it isn't possible. The route of Fleur de Passion arrives at last, a small pilot boat escorts us to guide us through the length of the canal. The freighters loom past us and we raise our heads to attempt to estimate the incalculable height of their cargo. These are our cars, our food and our oil that are being transported. It makes us think about our habits of consumption and the origins of the products we buy. Our arrival in the Gulf of Suez signifies the end of our unforgettable crossing. All the boats disperse, only to pass each other again later, cross between and brush against each other in the night.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
The Suez Canal : the canal of all invasions
Date: March 02, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
If the Suez Canal is an important channel of communication for man, it is equally a major line of invasion for a number of species, principally from where the Red Sea meets the Eastern Mediterranean.
These escape of these invasive species are called "Lessepsian migrations", named after the French engineer who designed and masterminded the construction of the canal in 1869. The difference with the Panama canal is that it has white water permanently passing through it and brackish lakes, the Suez Canal is not locked. The canal’s existence thus had a noticeably swift effect: 30 years after the opening of the canal, a number of shellfish and fish in the Red Sea had already crossed the canal.
The most recent estimates indicate the migration of more than 300 tropical species to the Eastern Mediterranean.
This northward migration occurs due to the movement of the current, which flows to the north, the tolerance of the conditions of winter by the species of the Red Sea, and the relatively scarce biodiversity of the Eastern Mediterranean. This makes the Suez Canal the first way for exotic species to arrive in the Mediterranean, even if this is not the unique cause. The impacts of these Lessepsian species like the rabbit fish, flute fish, trunk fish, have been significant in the basin of the Eastern Mediterranean, where they are in the process of replacing the indigenous species and present an ongoing and intrusive threat.
The solution: prevention, the most cost effective option.
Especially since climate change has accentuated this phenomenon, pushing the species to migrate to fresh water.
A number of species migrate via ballast water, so that increasing the control over vessels transiting between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean is one solution. But equally it is important to put in place reasonable fishing, fostering the creation of new protected areas where there is increasing establishment of artificial reefs on both sides of the canal so that fish populations are reinforced in their respective areas and are less susceptible to invaders.
Finally scientists agree on the insertion of a powerful saline barrier, or a closed system where the water would be chemically or biologically treated to kill any organisms present. Unfortunately, nothing has been decided locally and internationally to date.
For more information, have a look on our topic by clicking here
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Vincent Harel, captain of our new mission
Date: February 25, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Johannes Maria Schlorke
Vincent is a professional sailor and divides his time between four months or so on ship and as a specialised trainer on land. After sailing the Baltic Sea and the Channel, he embarked for the third time on Fleur de Passion in the Mediterranean. Among his many vivid memories some stand out, such as the Kieler Woche festival in Germany, several weeks with the Deutsches Meeres Museum (the German oceanography museum), arriving in the very heart of London under the Tower Bridge, and the warm welcome he received in German and Danish ports. In the face of these, the nitty gritty everyday tasks like emptying the toilets before breakfast are insignificant. His aim on this new mission is to bring everyone safely back home with a smile and a shine in their eyes, and with the feeling of having accomplished something together. More notably, as he steers through Egypt he hopes that the country and its people will have entered a new era of calm in the wake of recent events.
Our own compressor on board
Date: February 21, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
For several months, Fleur de Passion will continue to follow the pattern determined by researchers and under-water photographers. Twice a day, the oxygen cylinders of each of the ten or so divers need refilling. To keep up with their needs, the Changing Oceans Expedition has obtained its very own compressor. This apparatus, invaluable for the success of the expedition, came on board in Riposto (Sicily) via Aix-les-Bains in France. Olivier, the boat's engineer and mecanic, came along specially to oversee the proceedings. After a hard day's work, the compressor was finally ready for action and the upcoming missions.
Translation: Kathy Monnier
50 Erika in the Mediterranean
Date: February 07, 2011Author: Daniel Krupka - Photography: Daniel Krupka
The economic activities in the Mediterranean are under peril ! While the Mediterranean represents 0.7% of the surface of the world's oceans, the maritime shipping that takes place there represents a third of world merchant traffic !
It is one of the busiest sea routes in the world.
305 ports, 200,000 ships and the 300 tankers present an ongoing outpour of polluting hydrocarbon fumes.
As for oil traffic alone, this represents 370 million tons of petrol and 25% of world maritime traffic. An estimated 17% of the volume of oil spills at sea (150,000 tons). This is equivalent to 20 to 50 spills like "ERIKA", in the form of illegal dumping each year.
In addition to port areas (1 per 150km), major sources of risk for these activities are: shipping activity (waste discharge, fairing) petrochemicals, refinery, steel. Less known, is that the Mediterranean doesn't count less than 120 offshore platforms and 40 refineries. This amounts to about 60 serious incidents per year. It was calculated that about 22 000 tonnes oil were leaked between 1987 and 1996 due to accidents. And there are about 361 wrecks on the seabed for 1 million tons to escape.
The source of all that oil is evidently related to the tankers sailing through the Suez Canal. Our energetic demand generates volumes more and more important. And the risks for biodiversity, which, even if it absorbs part of these discharges, becomes saturated in certain areas amounting to a liquid desert.
For the tourist, it is easy to see the oil stains or diesel fuel dumped by pleasure boats (for France alone there are 150,000 boats and 750 marinas in the Mediterranean...), which sees a massive accumulation of pollutants on the high seas. The low water exchange in the Mediterranean basin obviously amplifies this accumulation of pollutants dispersed, invisible, and therefore little noticed.
So far, fortunately there has been only one really serious oil spill (Ship "Haven", Genoa 1991, 144,000 tonnes of oil spilled vs. the 20,000 tons of the Erika).
In spite of more conventions or laws (MARPOL, SOLAS, Action Plan for the Mediterranean, (PAM). REMPEC, etc...) which demonstrate a strong awareness, these are encountered to varying interpretations that slow actions against pollution. Their implementation depends on the willingness of each state. The introduction of penalties, for example, has met with strong reaction from countries who dominate the seas(Greece, Cyprus, Malta).
The solution is the construction of a global community which includes all Mediterranean states to a true common purpose. Without this, it is feared that with even the best intentions, using the most advanced technologies of identification, will fall short and be very limited to face economic and financial issues.
It is thus crucial to call on our politicians to support this much needed united international community.
More reading: have a look about this topic by clicking
here
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Leaving Monastir for a new year of the expedition
Date: February 05, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Two months in the shipyard for the boat's refit, so much for witnessing a country turning a page in its history. Today, Fleur de Passion leaves the quay of a shaken Tunisia. The crew marked by the changes of the past few weeks, hope that the Tunisians find a fair and common ground to live in peace.
The boat sets sail for the third year of the expedition. It will spend the first five months in the Red Sea working on two scientific projects focussing on coral ecosystems. The results will enable the evaluation of human impact on the reef and will corroborate the data used to map the human impact on the oceans. Next, the boat will return to the Mediterranean, where it will make some stops, before going back to the Canary Islands to pursue scientific statements. For now the boat sets course for Hurghada, Egypt for the first project of the year. The whole crew is eager to sail through the Suez Canal.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Sustainable fishery in Tunisia: the Charfia method
Date: January 31, 2011Author: Marie-Emilie Guélé - Photography: Marie-Emilie Guélé
The Char-fia, which literally translates as the "House of Death" is a traditional Tunisian fishing method and is considered non-violent, sustainable, and allows to catch fish alive and flipping.
This special fish is well-known in Tunisia for its exceptional taste and is sold at a very high price on local markets.
This method of fishing is interesting as it makes use of sunlight and shade, it takes the tide into account, and is carried out in large areas of shallow water.
This coastal fishery, as a particular feature, uses palm tree leaves to build a kind of labyrinth into which the fish swim and are trapped alive in a special chamber, from where they are collected by the fishermen.
The char-fia is specific to the Kerkennah islands, though also occasionally used in the surrounding areas of Chebba and Dejerba.
Unfortunately, this ancient fishing technique faces several threats such as the collapse of fishery resources, pressure from the fishing industry, a shortage of palm tree leaves, the abandoning of this method by the younger generation for easier fisheries, and the increasing monopolisation of ownership of sea plots.
In order to save the Kerkennah islands and its fishing community, measures and initiatives have been adopted to protect the marine biodiversity and to support ancestral sustainable fisheries such as the Charfia. National legislation on the Islands enables the Charfia to continue, though with difficulty. But above all, the establishment of a certified label, marked "Fish from Charfia", greatly valued by local consumers, ensures this fishery to last.
Finally, since 2008, artificial reefs have been built which on one hand prevent trawlers from fishing too close to the coast and on the other hand enables the replenishment of natural resources.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Monastir through the flames
Date: January 15, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Changing Oceans
Thursday in the afternoon, the president Ben Ali fled Tunisia. The people's revolt is gaining ground and achieving several of their wishes, erasing the remaining traces of a corrupt dictator. Houses, cars and fleets are certain to be destroyed. Notified of the situation by the locals, the crew decided to leave the port during the night on Saturday. Since anchoring red flames have arisen. Ben Ali's fleet is reduced to mere ashes, ending up at the bottom of the harbour. Fleur de Passion is at present safe under the protection of the Tunisian army.
From the port of Marseille to the spices of Tunisia
Date: January 10, 2011Author: Anne-Kristell Jouan - Photography: Sabina Foeth
The wind brushes over the bridge reminding the crew that it is time to leave Marseilles and embark for Tunisia. Marie-Emilie puts away her trainers as they will be no good on board : the boat is too small to accomodate her early morning jog. But the wind is rising and Fleur de Passion will soon be gliding through the sea with her sails hoisted, providing another form of physical exertion for the crew. Unfortunately Rémi is ill and stays in his cabin for the whole of the journey. He will not see the light of the sun until the wind falls and the engines are underway, two days later. It's the perfect time to taste and enjoy the cooking of the master Solu : pizzas, quiches, soup and other fish caught by the crew. After three days of sailing along the Tunisian coast there is already a sense of general excitement. The crew take in the pleasant warm air and the smells of the land, and watch the ongoing stretch of bristling pines which lines the coast. The preparations have been made and the crew are ready for the final docking of the year. The smells of the port of Marseille are left behind and replaced by wafts of Tunisian spices. The boat will rest at Monastir until the end of January. During this time Fleur de Passion will be refitted and made good as new for the third year of the expedition. She must be brought ashore into the dry and emptied entirely, putting a bit of her life in a box until she returns to the sea at the end of the month.
Late January 2011 Fleur de Passion will navigate towards the Red Sea for a couple of missions related to the map on global human impact in the Red Sea.
Translation: Hermione Fricker
Leaving Lisbon
Date: October 19, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
The skyline above the horizon is barely red and the stars still visible when we cast off the ropes to leave the Alcantara marina in Lisbon early in the morning on Monday: The beginning of a beautiful day at sea with perfect conditions for sailing. A slight breeze blows from land as we are heading south towards Gibraltar. All sails are set and we cruise at an average speed of 5 to 6 knots.
We have a group of 5 boys, aged 14 to 17 on board for the week. They are from the home of Chevrens in Geneva. Most of them have never spent time on a sailing ship for several consecutive days. It is a whole new experience for them to work in shifts and live on "moving ground".
They learn to helm and hoisting sails, and also get involved in counting macro waste and observing cetaceans. A pod of common dolphins stays with us for a while, reason for great excitement on deck.
On the way we pass the marine reserve "Professor Luiz Saldanha" near Sesimbra south of Lisbon. The reserve was created 10 years ago, and is composed of reglemented as well as totally closed off areas to protect local species.
There are still major issues with chemical and sound pollution, as well as waste from shore in the Estuary. Overfishing and destructive fishing methods are a problem further off the coast.
Several institutions are working on fishing and tourism regulations, as well as pollution issues. The area also participates in the MARgov project which encourages dialogue between all local actors (fishermen, tourism offices, ONGs, local administration and government) in order to find sustainable solutions for the different issues.
At the end of the week we will reach Malaga for an event with members of the IUCN and a presentation on our activities to several school classes.
Fleur de Passion in St Nazaire, France
Date: October 08, 2010Author: Ronald Menzel, Sabina Foeth - Photography: Marie-Emilie Guélé
After a sunny week in London, the weather changed drastically in the Channel. Fleur de Passion made its way along the coasts of England and Brittany heading for Saint Nazaire.
During the 10 days of navigation the boat was indeed washed from all salt with heavy ongoing rains.
Life on board turned into a slightly "humid" experience to say the least.
Quite a change after the exceptional weather conditions we had all season!
In Saint Nazaire, we are welcome by our sponsor Cargill who runs a sunflower plant here.
Fleur de Passion is moored next to a submarine base built by the german army during the Second World War. It is an imposing concrete structure with walls several meters thick. The bomb attacks by the allies managed to destroy most of the city, but this large bunker is still standing.
During the week we had visits on board from officials and local population, as well as Cargill employees. We also had the opportunity to present the expedition to schoolchildren who came on board to discover our ship.
The crew takes this stopover to plan the maintenance work of the boat during the winter months. We order material, design new pieces and systems to get the boat ready for our mission in the Red Sea next year
We are now heading for the Bay of Biscay, an area that can be full of surprises at this time of year, to reach Lisbon later this week.
In the heart of London
Date: September 17, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Fleur de Passion has left St Malo to cross the Channel towards London. The winds blow quite strongly from the South West and West which allows us to sail a large part of the trip with speeds up to over 10 knots thanks to the favorable current.
On the second day we receive a gale warning over the radio, but eventually arrive at the mouth of the River Thames safely and without any trouble.
The journey from sea to the city of London is another 40 miles, so we decide to anchor for the night and wait for daylight.
In the morning the skies are grey and low and a little rain falls to welcome us in the center of London. In no way the weather does dim the amazing sight of the Tower Bridge upon our arrival.
We can only enter the St Katherine's dock the next day, and are therefore moored right under the TowerBridge. Quite a way to arrive in the heart of London.
The following days are dedicated to the public and evening events for sponsors and their customers. They get the opportunity to visit the boat, we give presentations and show our videos and slideshows to explain The Changing Oceans Expedition and the importance of campaigning for Marine Protected Areas.
Part of the crew is changing here, and we use the remaining days in London to get Fleur de Passion ready for the route to the South.
Our next stop will be St Nazaire, then Lisbon and the Gibraltar Straight to make our way back into the Mediterranean Sea for the winter.
Attack of the American Slipper Limpet
Date: September 01, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We are working with 2 scientists from the School of Ocean Sciences of the Bangor University in Wales. Their studies on board focus on an invasive species : the american slipper limpet, Crepidula fornicate, potentially competing with local oyster and mussel species.
This limpet first appeared along the coasts of England in the late 19th century, introduced from North America with the import of the American Oyster for cultivation.
Initially it only settled in places with still and rather shallow waters.
In the past years studies showed that they also appear in areas with deeper waters and stronger currents. Dr. Hilmar Hinz and Dipl. Biologist Katrin Bohn are on board to document several specific points around the Ile of Wight to study the evolution and effects of the crepidula on local ecosystems.
Little is known about the effect of the crepidula in deeper waters on the local fauna. Comparing benthic communities at sites of comparable environmental conditions with and without crepidula will help asses the current status. The collected data will also be compared with data from historical surveys in 1958-1959.
Fleur de Passion leaves Portsmouth on this cool but bright morning at 6 o'clock.
In the channel between the mainland west of Portsmouth and the Ile of Wight the video equipped device, in fact a sledge, is immersed in the water for the first time.
2 people manage the immersion from the back of the boat, another 2 assist from the dinghy and 2 more manage the ropes of the device.
Hilmar and Katrin give instructions and follow the images taken on a monitor.
Once the device reaches the ground, we let the boat, hence the device drift for 10 minutes.
Video images as well as still photographies of the ground are captured.
The images will be analyzed for assessing densities of crepidula and local fauna.
This project is the last scientific project on board Fleur de Passion for 2010.
Bye Bye Amsterdam
Date: August 29, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth, Daniel Krupka - Photography: Caecilia Charbonnier
The SAIL 2010 was a fantastic event with a great atmosphere and sunshine.
Almost 3000 people visited Fleur de Passion during the 3 days in Amsterdam. Numerous volunteers from Cargill, WWF and local NGOs helped us receiving them on board.
This event was also the opportunity to welcome members of the IUCN and WWF.
It is with great regret that we leave the port of Amsterdam under heavy rain and wind on Monday morning during the SAIL Out. Fleur de Passion stops in Ijmuiden, next port after Amsterdam on the coast.
We are bound to stay 3 more days in Ijmuiden due to bad weather conditions and take the time for maintenance and thorough preparation of the boat for the upcoming navigation in the Channel.
The sea is heavy during our crossing to England but the night navigation goes well in this area with highly dense cargo traffic.
Reaching the English coast, the sea smoothens and we admire the great cliffs on our way to Portsmouth where we stop for a partial crew change.
For the next few days we welcome on board a couple of scientists from the School of Ocean Science of the Bangor University in Wales. We are ready for our next scientific project. To be continued.
SAIL Amsterdam 2010
Date: August 21, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth, Daniel Krupka - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Fleur de Passion has arrived in Amsterdam for the famous SAIL 2010, the largest tall ship gathering in the world.
We entered the city with the SAIL-In parade with hundreds of other boats. Thousands of spectators cheered for the parade along the shore. Fleur de Passion was welcomed by the first official salute in french, the first canon shot, and the Swiss anthem played by the fanfare.
Once moored in the main canal, the boat is daily open for visits. Huge crowds walk along the quays to admire tall ships and hundreds of boats tour in the harbor. Anybody who has even the tiniest boat seems to be out on the water to watch the spectacle.
Flags float from all masts to complete the colorful picture.
In the Panama café a few meters away from our boat the Antinea foundation is presenting a multimedia show with life music on the oceans, up to 3 times daily, entrance free of charge.
We are proud to be part of this exceptional gathering and hope to reach as many people as possible with our message on ocean protection and conservation.
A stormy day in the Wadden Sea
Date: August 17, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth, Daniel Krupka - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Fleur de Passion has arrived in Holland. Our first stop is in the port of Den Helder just across from the island of Texel north of Amsterdam. We are spending the day with a group of 5 from IMARES (Institute for Marine Resources of Ecosystem Studies) and local ONG, Coast and Sea, working to find sustainable solutions for fishery and use of the Dutch Waddensea. The weather is not in our favor, over 30 knots of wind, stronger gusts and heavy rain reduce the visibility notably and our film team is challenged to capture images of the scientists work. One of the major changes in the area is the implementation of mussel seed collectors made of nets to breed young mussels, which are later moved to a mussel bed where they grow to a consumable size. This method avoids dragging and disturbing the seabed. It is a sustainable approach acknowledged by the mussel fishers and supported by the government. You will be able to discover images of this stormy day on our video on the WaddenSea which will be online soon.
Beautiful Wadden Sea
Date: August 14, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Caecilia Charbonnier
Our first stop in the Wadden Sea is on the island of Borkum, Germany. Fleur de Passion is in this region to gather information on best practices of the marine protected areas which have been classified world heritage by the UNESCO just recently. It is by bike that we discover the particular ecosystems around the island. The tides create and regenerate intertidal biotopes composed of sandbanks and rich flora the movement of the waters. Despite the strong tourism on the island, bird colonies of a multitude of species can evolve peacefully. The island is well exposed to currents and not without pollution but preservation and protection seems to be a focus point in the area. We note a large number of windmills and solar-captors.
Plastic in our oceans
Date: August 11, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sylvain Chagué
During the second week of Fleur the Passion in the North Sea, Antinea collaborates with a german NGO: Deepwave. Their work currently concentrates on the impact of plastic on our oceans. While water and sand samples are collected in different areas for a qualitative analysis, local and national TV teams join us on board to film a documentary on plastic in the North Sea. Plastic is frequently visible on beaches but is also present, yet invisible , in both water and sand, fragmented into very small pieces. This plastic is absorbed by birds and the entire food-chain from the smallest fish to the largest predator. Ecovolunteers from The Changing Oceans Expedition have counted macro waste all along this season, and it is near Helgoland, a very touristic island in the North Sea, were these counts were the highest so far. The majority of plastic found in the oceans comes from packaging material of all origins. They end up in the Seas blown by the wind or rejected by rivers, or simply thrown over board from ships.
Counting Macro-Waste
Date: July 27, 2010Author: Guilio Genoni - Photography: Niels Feldmann
In the areas we sail through we perform macrowaste counts. Macrowaste is a major problem. It releases toxicants, stifles or strangles animals and plants, degrades landscapes and leisure activities, and threatens navigation security and fisheries; beach cleanup removes sand and thus increases erosion. In some areas there is so much macrowaste that trawlers sometimes catch more waste than fish!
About 70% of waste in the sea and on shores comes from land and the rest from marine activities. Three quarters is plastic (especially bags).
We do counts when the sea is not too rough, for 20 minutes, once an hour, at a speed of 5 to 6 knots. We count, by category, all waste within a breadth of 3 m between the boat's side and the tip of a stick with a weighted line. The travelled distance is calculated from the initial and final coordinates of our GPS. The number of items counted thus yields the density per square kilometer.
We then write the data into a table and sent them to the French Research Institute for the Exploitation of the Seas (www.ifremer.fr), which centralises all such data for Europe.
From fertilizer to stifling blooming
Date: July 21, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth, Daniel Krupka - Photography: Toralf Heene, IOW
One of the major problems of the Baltic Sea is eutrophication. Eutrophication is due to an overload of fertilizing substances which are washed from the surrounding coasts into the sea.
The Baltic Sea is particularly affected by this phenomenon, as the water body is an almost closed unit hence the circulation rate rather low and the water exchange limited.
The main sources of eutrophication are land runoffs from agricultural activities, but other forms of wastewaters, e.g. from surrounding communities and cities are also a problem. The latter have significantly improved over the last decades by higher standards of wastewater treatment plants. The effects of eutrophication are blooming algae, which dominate other local species. Similar to red tides in other regions of the world, one effect of increasing eutrophication can be blooming of poisonous algae species, such as blue green algae or as the chrysolina polilepis. These initially harmless species become poisonous as a consequence of nitrates in the water.
Other than harming the local marine fauna, it can be hazardous for humans, ranging from skin irritation to more severe problems in case of swallowing.
In years of strong blue algae blooming beaches are closed and swimming is forbidden, not to mention the affect on fish for human consumption.
Brittany currently faces serious issues with a green tide created by the same phenomenon. The danger to humans is sizeable.
Endangered Shipwrecks
Date: July 17, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth, Daniel Krupka - Photography: Wolf Wichmann
Today the scientific divers sew pieces of wood from several ship wrecks off the coast of Ruegen. The study of these samples allows to follow the evolution of an invasive species called « teredo navalis » , more commonly known as shipworm which is in fact a bivalve mollusc. The little animal devours all kinds of wood and is migrating from west to east in the Baltic Sea due to rising water temperatures. Scientists fear that it might completely destroy the 40'000 wooden shipwrecks, marine heritage of the Baltic Sea, within the next 10 years. It is only the lower salinity in the east Baltic that stops further migration of this quite resistant animal. Neither nature harming bio chemicals nor endangered exotic woods provide sustainable solutions. Wrapping up the wrecks in geo-textiles or burring them in the sand or mud are impossible to achieve. But research continues.
Flintstones on the bottom of the Sea
Date: July 14, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth, Daniel Krupka - Photography: Thomas Förster
Today is the first day of diving for a new group of scientists from the Oceanographic museum of Stralsund. A part from observations and photographic documentation the divers encounter many large flintstones on the bottom of the sea.
Several theories try to explain the formation of these stones which seem to date from the same era than the extinction of the dinosaurs. In the area they are called the "Flowerpots of Sassnitz" as the local population used them to that effect.
No doubt that these rocks would have interested our ancestors - to grill a sole ?
Small but beautiful - the national park of Jasmund
Date: July 12, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Niels Feldmann
Jasmund is a nature reserve in the northeast of Rügen Island, off the Baltic Coast of Germany. It is famous for the large chalk cliffs, up to 161 m high above the sea creating impressive sceneries.
The park was founded in 1990 and is the smallest national park of Germany.
The chalk cliffs face constant erosion and with every storm, parts of the cliffs fall down, including rocks and fossils of sponges, oysters and sea urchins.
We find many rare plants and animals in this park due to the local geological conditions, for instance Grey seal and Brook lamprey who live at the coast.
The forests behind the cliffs add to the biodiversity of the area, famous for its beach forests, springs and streams.
Intensive forestry and tourism are the main threats along this coast where Fleur de Passion has anchored.
A scientific group of 5 from the Oceanographic museum of Stralsund is onboard for the next 10 days. Their work is largely concentrating on documenting the area with images and film for the museum.
Girls on board
Date: July 09, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
This week a group of young girls aged between 14 and 17 from a home in Geneva join us on board. For most sailing for several days and life on a ship is a first and totally new experience. They learn to participate in sailing maneuvers, observing the surroundings during night shifts and contributing to every day life in the kitchen and other tasks. They get a glimpse of navigation and observing the sea. The Baltic Sea is particularly kind this week with high temperatures and great sunshine. They leave the ship after these few days of adventure, well tanned and with big smiles.
A sole on the grill ?
Date: July 04, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth, Daniel Krupka - Photography: Sabina Foeth
A group of 5 scientists from the german oceanographic museum in Stralsund join us on board. During their collection they bring on deck a beautiful sole which almost ended on the grill. The fish will eventually be dedicated to science as planned, and we have pasta for dinner.
The team collects diverse species of algae, small crustaceans and fish.
In this area of the southern danish islands the salt content in the water is higher than in the east, the marine life more abundant and diverse.
The salinity is around 10 parts per thousand in the east, 16 - 17 in this area to 29 ppt where the Baltic joins the North Sea.
The team of scientists is very pleased to spend the week aboard Fleur de Passion, an opportunity to work together as a group, diving and collecting a multitude of species to complete the museum's collection.
New videos on line
Date: June 30, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Watch our latest videos under the East Atlantic mission on dolphins, pilot whales and killer wales. And soon to follow our video on the week in Kiel.
Arrival in Kiel, Germany
Date: June 20, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Niels Feldmann
Fleur de Passion, after a journey with some stops in Brest, Calais and CuxHaven in Germany arrived in Kiel, close to the Baltic Sea. This week ( June 19 -26th) will be dedicated to a group of students from Lausanne and will be the opportunity to get Fleur de Passion participating in the windjammer parade, which will happen at the end of the "Kieler Woche" , major event in the sailing world, as it gathers 70 nations, 2000 flagships, and 5000 sportsmen, and is a famous worldwide sports event. It is also the biggest summer event in the North of Europe, and as well a political forum, a musical event, and the biggest worldwide competition sailing event . For the crew it will also be the opportunity for observation of the harbor porpoises , and related marine ecosystems, for water, sediment, and plankton sampling, as well as courses on coastal ecology with local experts .
Trajets - Voyage
Date: June 12, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
For our trip from Brest to Calais we are joined on board of Fleur de Passion by a group from the Association Trajet in Geneva. Hélène, David, Giacomo, Michel and Lazar have a little sailing experience and are all looking forward to a few days at sea. Heavy rains and low clouds accompany us at our departure from Brest. We spend one night mooring across from the beautiful town of Camaret-sur-Mer and in the morning the sun is back as we sail along the beautiful coasts of Brittany. Twenty-four hours later the forecast announces strong winds and we decide to spend the next night safely in the harbour of Cherbourg. The following night is difficult for the group, a bad combination of head wind and back current create a choppy sea accompanied by heavy rains and very low visibility. The hours on deck are long and we are all relieved at dawn when the rain finally stops. Congratulations to the group, you stayed courageous to the end. Best wishes to you all.
Océanopolis - Brest
Date: June 06, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We reach Brittany after crossing the Bay of Biscay. The rain and lower temperatures at our arrival in Brest remind us that we have left the southern part of Europe. We moor at the "Port du Moulin Blanc" in Brest, right across from Oceanopolis, large theme parc devoted to the discovery of the oceans. Several pavilions form an impressive complex that takes the visitor through different oceans environments. All along the visit we discover a variety of species and we are given many explanations. Large aquaria make us discover the tropical waters, where napoleons, butterfly-fishes and damselfishes can be seen. We now wander from the tropical seas to the polar regions, meeting royal penguins, gentoo penguins and gorfou which can be seen above and below the water surface. In the temperate pavillion seals play in large glass tanks. Almost all these animals are born in captivity. Oceanopolis, which is celebrating its 20th birthday today, is a magnificent place that allows a broad public to discover the wonders and richess of our oceans.
In Brest with Cargill employees
Date: June 05, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
The three days we spend in Brest are largely dedicated to meeting with one of the main sponsors of "The Changing Oceans Expedition" : Cargill.
It is our first opportunity to share the experience directly with Cargill employees, who can visit Fleur de Passion and come sailing in the Brest Bight with us. We are then invited to join employees from Brest and other french Cargill facilities for dinner, a nice opportunity to create a direct contact and exchange ideas. During the week-end two outings are organized, with over 40 people: employees with their spouses and children get the opportunity to spend some time on board. The children have loads of fun setting sails and pulling lines.
We also take this opportunity to share some videos and presentations on marine ecosystems and on some of the concerns and issues we face today.
The lighthouse of Sagres and Cape Sao Vicente
Date: June 02, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Early in the morning we round Cape Sao Vicente, the most south westerly point of Portugal. Sheer cliffs drop into the ocean and we can only imagine the spectacular waves which hit the coast during winter storms. Back in the 15th century this was the edge of the known world, the starting point of great expeditions of discovery and exploration. It is here that Prince Henry the Navigator created the School of Navigation which united at the time the best navigators and geographers of Europe. Captains and officers were educated in navigation, astronomy and cartography. Despite his name, he was not known for his achievements as a sailor but as an instigator of numerous expeditions and for pushing back the frontiers of the known world at the beginning of the Age of Discovery.
The spectacular cliffs and beaches from here onwards are part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a less urbanized coast on our route. We are now heading north.
MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) - Portugal
Date: June 02, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: MSC
Millions of people around the world regularly consume fish and seafood. Unfortunately our oceans are partly being overfished and if nothing is done some of our favorite fish are likely to disappear from the fishmonger's stalls.
Not only is our food at stake but the fishing industry and our marine ecosystems around the world are concerned.
Fisheries worldwide adopt good practices to preserve employment, sustain fish stocks and promote marine conservation.
The MSC runs an exciting and ambitious program, working with partners to transform the world's seafood markets and promote sustainable fishing practices, as explained on their website.
MSC offers fisheries around the world a way to be recognised and rewarded for good management. By working in partnership with sustainable fisheries to create a market for sustainable seafood, other fisheries are encouraged to change their practices.
The MSC has joined forces with some of the world's leading retailers, brands and seafood businesses to help them meet customer expectations and increase their sustainable seafood offer. Many have placed the MSC at the centre of sustainable seafood policies. Meet the retailers and restaurants selling MSC-labelled seafood.
Credible standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability seek to increase the availability of certified sustainable seafood and our distinctive blue ecolabel makes it easy for everyone to take part.
The MSC blue ecolabel gives everyone an easy way to make the best environmental choice when shopping or dining out. Our communications and marketing activities raise awareness of our ecolabel. Try one of our delicious sustainable seafood recipes.
The Portuguese Association of Purse Seine Producer Organisations (ANOPCERCO), is now eligible to sell its catch - which represents 95% of the country's sardine production (well over 50,000 metric tons annually) - with the internationally recognised blue MSC ecolabel. The certificate covers all of the association's larger coastal vessels (over 9 m long) whose main activity is purse seining. It's the country's first fishery to earn this distinction.
New videos!
Date: Mai 25, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Léo Leibovici
New videos on line! See the interviews with Dr. Halpern, Prof Micheli and Dr. Selkoe on our mission about the human impact on the oceans in Morocco as well as the interview with Mr. Houssine Nibani, president of the AGIR association in Al Hoceima. Click here.
As well newly posted is the interview with the archeologist Irena Radic Rossi in Croatia last year. Click here.
Vilamoura
Date: Mai 23, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We stop in the marina of Vilamoura in Portugal for a couple of days. François Salle, a member of the brotherhood of sailors created in chile over 50 years ago, "Frères de la Côte". François is of great help upon arrival and organizes a mooring for Fleur de Passion. He spends the day with us and shares his sailing experience and gives plenty of advice about the region. He teaches us a couple of new knots: the "dindin" , very useful for taking a sheet under tension and the perfection knot of american origin.
François brings lemons, thyme and rosemary from his garden to the delight of all. He is full of energy and good humor and it is impossible to tell that François will celebrate his 80th birthday soon.
Many thanks to François for his welcome and help, godspeed and see you soon.
Tarifa
Date: Mai 21, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We spend the day in the Gibraltar Straight, between Tarifa and Tanger with Jörn Selling, the biologist from Firmm. Firmm is a Swiss foundation, established in 1998 to study and protect marine mammals and their natural habitats, the oceans.
The weather conditions are a bit rough for whale watching, but we finally encounter a group of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins after an hour of navigation. The Straight is only 18 kilometers large here and over 300 ships and cargoes use it every day. At this time of year the cetaceans observed are mainly pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins and killer whales. Later in the year sperm whales are to be seen in the area, as well as striped dolphins and fin whales. Later we also spot a small group of killer whales, presumably one male and at least one female with a juvenile.
Part of the coast around Tarifa is a nature reserve but plans to declare the entire Straight a marine protected area have failed so far.
The Bay of Algeciras - Gibraltar
Date: Mai 11, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We take advantage of a favorable weather window to leave Malaga on Saturday evening before the next forecasted low pressure system.
After a calm overnight navigation we drop anchor in the Bay of Algeciras not far from the Gibraltar Straight to seek shelter for the next couple of days.
Right from the entry of the bay we see thousands of lights, immense cranes, plenty of cargoes and almost no land left without industry or port facilities. We wonder how this area can be a reproduction and nursery site for common dolphins.
Great efforts are necessary to protect this part of the Mediterranean Sea which is strongly affected by human impact (heavy marine traffic, densely urbanized coasts, pollution from waste and waste-waters, deforestation, desertification, erosion…)
The local biodiversity should be maintained through integrated management of coastal areas (GIZC) and the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Protective actions have to reduce the destruction of natural habitats, prevent the spread of invasive species and make tourism help sustain the local economy and environment.
These policies also aim at better managing pollution by waste and hydrocarbons and prevent accidents caused by maritime traffic.
A nice success story was published by the "Earthwatch Institute": "Earthwatch-supported research in the Alboran Sea on the habitat
needs of dolphins has enabled scientists to secure agreement from the International Maritime Organisation to divert shipping lanes off the southern coast of Spain. This monumental agreement has safeguarded vital dolphin breeding and feeding grounds."
The Alboran Sea
Date: Mai 08, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We are leaving Morocco, crossing the western Mediterranean Sea to reach the spanish coast. This sea is called the Alboran Sea.
It stretches from the Gibraltar Straight to an imaginary line between the spanish Cape Gata and the algerian Cape Fegalo. This sea forms the transition between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and has a high diversity.
Of all european seas, the Alboran Sea hosts the largest diversity of species. Its primary productivity is high compared to other parts of the Mediterranean Sea and particularly favorable for concentrations of sardines and anchovies. The flora and fauna includes atlantic species of tropical origin which are not found anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
Significant numbers of marine flowering plants grow close to the shore and around the Isle of Alboran are large kelp forests (brown algae) and an abundance of calcareous algae grounds as well as red coral.
The concentration of cetaceans around the Straight of Gibraltar is amongst the highest in the Mediterranean. Most commonly found are: the common dolphin, the striped dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin and the pilot whale. This area is also a major migratory and feeding habitat for a couple of species of sea turtles, such as the leatherback turtle and the caret.
Our next stop will be Tarifa for a day or two for whale-watching before heading North in the Atlantic.
AGIR in Al Hoceima
Date: Mai 05, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: AGIR
Our partner in Morocco is the association AGIR, Association de Gestion Intégrée des Ressources. The association was founded in Al Hoceima in 2008. The main objectives are sustainable development through integrated management of resources as well as supporting local training and promotion. The association is active in several areas such as sustainable fishing, conservation of the marine and terrestrial environment, outreach and sensibilisation on environmental issues and biodiversity.
The association is also active in conflict and pollution management as well as supporting ONGs in their work.
A big thank you to Houssine Nibani, the president of the association and all his team for their very warm welcome and friendship, as well as for their unlimited support during the entire mission in Morocco of "The Changing Oceans Expedition".
We are leaving the coasts of Morocco, heading towards Gibraltar where we will visit FIRMM, an ONG engaged in ecotourism and whale watching.
Urbanisation and waste-waters
Date: Mai 03, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Sailing along the coast we observe a great amount of construction sites at both ends of the national park. Development is booming in the area and with this rapid urbanization of the coast, problems linked to waste and waste-water management become more and more pressing.
In Morocco only 5% of waste-waters are actually treated. Waste-waters are either directly poured into the hydrographical network which leads inevitably to the coast, or into septic tanks in rural areas or directly into the sea. Local and national authorities are concerned by the minimal amount of water purification plants.
Another phenomenon that can be observed in the region is water erosion. This loss of soil automatically leads to the loss of arable layers, loss of soil fertility and productivity, hence degrading the resources of the area. The consequences are soil abandonment and increase of poverty.
Mooring in the National Park of Al Hoceima
Date: April 30, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We are back in the national park. The skies are grey and low clouds lie on the summits of the overhanging cliffs. Once the anchor is dropped and the engine shut down the only sounds interrupting the silence are waves scattered against the cliffs and the songs of nearby nesting birds. Despite the absence of wind the boat is pitching heavily with the incoming swell. Around the boat we see an abundance of little brown jellyfish amongst which we discover a much larger and colorful one that is also far more dangerous. It is in fact not a jellyfish but a siphonophore, a portuguese man o'war (Physalia physalis). We bring it on board in a bowl filled with water just long enough to observe it more closely and to take same pictures before returning it to its natural habitat. The surrounding waters seem clear at first sight, but a closer look reminds us that civilization is not far: floating pieces of plastic, brown foam and other indefinable dirt, all of which somewhat trouble this otherwise idyllic place.
Mission: Human Impact on the Oceans - Morocco
Date: April 28, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: UCSB
Ben Halpern (University of California, Santa Barbara), Kim Selkoe (Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology) and Fiorenza Micheli (Stanford University) are on board Fleur de Passion for a pilot mission building on their global project to map the "human impact on the oceans".
For the last week they have been diving together with members from the Antinea foundation and Ilyas El Bouzidi from Morocco to share their practices and methods, collecting samples, counting species and doing transects.
Their work consists in assessing the amount of life that can be observed, as Ben Halpern explains, and how it is affected by different amounts of human pressure. In their fieldwork they get a quick snapshot of the amount of biomass, ie plants and animals of the food web. From the fish at the top, the predators all the way down to the algae that grow on the rocks.
The tasks are divided among the team to count fish, invertebrates (urchins, sea stars etc) and algae, doing transects and collecting algae samples. The number of individuals in each size category gives a picture of the health of the food web.
The only samples collected and brought back on board are algae, as their size and weight can't easily be measured underwater.
The approach is quantitative to begin with but gives a good qualitative snapshot of the situation and shows how healthy the system is.
Many fish at the top of the chain mean a healthy system underneath.
Ben Halpern and Fiorenza Micheli's first impression along the coast between Al Hoceima and Cala Iris is that the habitat is comparable to many other places in the Mediterranean Sea. Fishing methods such as trawling very close to the shore, dynamite fishing, as well as pollution endanger the area. The divers heard an explosion underwater during one of the dives and observed a trawler just 100 meters from the shore.
The exchange between the scientific team, the Antinea group and local divers, NGO representatives and administration will hopefully help to implement regulations which are acceptable for fishermen and inhabitants of the area, to protect this important ecosystem.
Al Hoceima National Park - Morocco
Date: April 25, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Al Hoceima National Park is located on the mediterranean coast of Morocco. Created in 2004, the park follows about 40 km of coastline and covers 48'000 ha. Cliffs of up to 700 meters drop abruptly into the sea.
The diverse marine ecosystems host a variety of species and small populations of endangered ones.
The park is a habitat for many important bird species, including the fishing balbuzzard and Audouin's gull.
During our 2-day visit in the park the scientists and divers from the expedition have recorded about 20 different species of fish and several algae as well as invasive species of algae.
The very shallow part of the marine habitat seems to be well preserved, but a little further out, the seabed is clearly endangered.
The national park was created with the input of local NGOs and its existence is hope for efficient measures to protect this beautiful area in the future.
This pilot mission to ground truth the map of cumulative human impact on the oceans, created by Ben Halpern and his team, is ongoing and we'll soon publish further details.
Earth Day in Al Hoceima
Date: April 22, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
We have arrived in Al Hoceima just in time for "Earth Day 2010". The event has gained importance over the past years and is now celebrated as a national event. The King of Morocco himself has asked for distinct actions in environmental issues and supports several ecological programs.
The Walli, M. Mohamed Al Hafi and his delegation welcome us during an official ceremony in the harbour. The event is covered by national television as well as national radio.
About 80 children from different schools of the area are present for the ceremony and have the opportunity to visit Fleur de Passion. Our exhibit exposing several important subjects of human impact on the oceans such as overfishing, ocean transportation, pollution and climate change aims to raise their awareness of the sea.
We are also generously welcome by a local NGO, "AGIR". The NGO is campaigning in the area with several environmental programs, in particular with local fishermen to help them practice sustainable fishing.
Melilla
Date: April 19, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
After 5 days at sea we reach Melilla at 4 am in the morning.
Melilla is an autonomous Spanish city located on the north coast of North Africa. We are given a warm welcome and use our 2 day stop to finish work on board. A new crane is installed to facilitate the lifting of the dinghy onto the deck, the peak at the back of the boat is reorganized with new shelves and storage space and have completely revised the waste water circuit.
We will leave our berth later today to sail west to Al Hoceima, about 70 miles away.
At sea - Monastir to Melilla
Date: April 15, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Our second day at sea. The skies are grey and clouds hide the near algerian coast. We can finally set sails with a favourable breeze and Fleur de Passion is steadily heading west. The crew is getting used to the regular mouvement of the ship and daily life is governed by the pace of the watches.
Small common dolphins pay us regular visits and play in the waves around the boat. We all enjoy the sight every time they return.
Large cargo ships cross our route more and more often, impressive units, heavily loaded with containers, grain or crude oil.
We have another 700 miles left to sail to reach our next destination: Melilla
The departure
Date: April 12, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The departure. The crew is happy to be at sea and the life on board is taking its course. We are first heading north along the tunisian coast before following the algerian coastline to reach Morocco. Our next destination is about 800 miles away and we will need a short week to get there.
This first leg of the expedition will already allow us to make several observations before undertaking our mission in the marine protected areas of Morocco.
A few days to departure
Date: April 08, 2010Author: Sabina Foeth - Photography: Sabina Foeth
Our departure is only a few days away and a group of twelve people: crew, carpenters, engineers and volunteers is working hard to get the boat ready to be out at sea. Everybody is concentrating on their task to ensure that we can sail safely during the coming season.
Our next major stop will be the national parc of Al Hoceima in Morocco where a group of scientists will join us to study the human impact on the oceans in that area.
Latest News
Date: April 01, 2010Author: Ronald Menzel - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Fleur de Passion left the island of Malta this month after spending most of the winter there.
Over the past few months the Antinea team has been compiling a report on: "Best practices in MPA management", which consolidates data collected during the 2009 mission. We will expand upon this publication throughout The Changing Oceans Expedition with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the different factors which contribute to the success of Marine Protected Areas. These factors include fishing practices, tourism, scientific research and awareness-raising on environmental protection.
Successful MPA management is a complex task in which many aspects play an important role. Fleur de Passion visited 12 different Marine Protected Areas during 2009. Meeting with many MPA managers, fishermen, dive clubs, tourist offices, government representatives and local scientists gave the Antinea team an opportunity to assess a wide range of issues and success stories encountered in MPA management.
We noticed that MPAs with sufficient resources function perfectly well, not only in protecting fragile environments, but also by enabling the regeneration of degraded ecosystems.
Well-managed MPAs are clearly beneficial in maintaining the ecological balance while providing security for the fishing and tourism industries.
As for 2010, Fleur de Passion is currently undergoing maintenance work in a shipyard in Tunisia, ahead of this year's mission.
The Changing Ocean Expedition will soon be bound for Morocco to take part in a global research project to study the cumulative impact of human activity on the oceans. Following this three-week project we will be heading north towards the Baltic and the Waddensea.
Climate change and the oceans
Date: November 27, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Here is a video we have edited for the Copenhagen Climate Change talks. We are really proud of it and hope this will contribute to bringing the oceans on to the agenda. This film explains in 6 minutes how the oceans are affected and play a major role in Climate Change. see the video on CNN iReport In the run up to Copenhagen, there is a lot of talk about the destruction of forests and air, about carbon trading and clean energy, but very little about the impact of our oceans and climate change. In our oceans, climate goes well beyond melting ice caps and endangered polar bears in the North Pole. Our seas are acidifying at unprecedented levels and the Mediterranean is being invaded by tropical, alien species. The oceans make up 80% of the surface of our planet and provide 70% of the oxygen we breathe. All around the world, our oceans and seas are getting warmer and more acidic, but because we can't always see what is happening under the surface, researchers and scientists are worried that the risks to our oceans will be forgotten in Copenhagen. Experts from the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and from the research team on board the Changing Oceans Expedition are worried that the oceans are being forgotten in Copenhagen. They call for urgent action before it is too late. Unprecedented footage of underwater volcanic activity was filmed on board Fleur de Passion in the Aeolian Islands where scientist study the future conditions of our blue planet.
Fleur de Passion in Croatia
Date: November 02, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
For the first time we had an opportunity to take a picture of Fleur de Passion with all its sails out. Leaving Cavtat and heading towards Dubrovnik, we took advantage of the perfect weather to set the flying-jib as well as the jib sail. These two sails are used only with mild winds. The boat instantly gained an additional knot in speed. Thank you to our partner North Sails for their great job designing and producing Fleur de Passion's sails!
Subaquatic archeology in Cavtat - Croatia
Date: October 29, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Croatia, it appears, has succeeded where so many other countries have failed, in taking measures to protect their marine heritage. In Cavtat, near Montenegro, archaeologists have been able to preserve some of the ancient Roman wrecks found there by installing large cages. These cages enable controlled visits to the sites while preventing dishonest divers from pillaging the historical artifacts. The Antinea team is accompanied by Irena Radic, responsable for the sub-marine archeology service, on a guided tour of the two sites including a visit to a newly discovered wreck.
Turbulent crossing from Mjlet to Dubrovnik
Date: October 22, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The crew is facing a turbulent crossing from Mjlet to Dubrovnik, accompanied by 5 meter waves and 40 knots of wind. The next days are devoted to cleaning the boat and editing video footage. The worn-out crew is relaxing after 10 days of cold, humidity and bad weather!
Visit of the Protected Area of Mljet Island - Croatia
Date: October 18, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Croatia has a well-guarded secret. The islant of Mljet posseses a lush vegetation completely undisturbed by Man. It has forests of Alep pines and a natural park patrolled by consciencious rangers. What of the seabed? It is threatened by underwater tourism, though paradoxally tourists must also pay a tax for its conservation. Unsurpervised anchorage of boats during the summer could threaten the underwater habitat and biodiversité of this island. Even so, the seabed is still well preserved with numerous and sizeable fauna. The same goes for the archeological sites which are miraculously preserved at a depth of 6 meters. Such sites only exist at several hundred meters below the surface elsewhere in the Mediterranean.
Torre Guaceto (9th to 14th of October) Brindisi - ITALY
Date: October 14, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Located in oriental Italy, this marine reserve is particularly well managed. The management in charge of Torre Guaceto have put a local fishing conservation program in place with the traditional fishermen in the authorized fishing zone. These fishermen are allowed to fish once per week in this zone. Their catches are plentiful and the fish are of good size which sell very well, even more so as they have the AMP label. Fish less but with better quality, a dynamic action plan which allows a compromise between fishing and conservation of marine life.
Ciclopi Island Mission - Aeolian Islands
Date: October 07, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Located at the foot of the Etna, the Marine Reserve of the Ciclopi Islands allows us to evoke the diversity of mediterranean underwater habitats. Its seabeds are not only sandy or covered with Posodinia, they are also volcanic. The size of this recent Marine Area is still to small to be consequential on the development of ressources, but Sicily intends to develop more Marine Reserves on the seafloors that shaped the island. Watch the mission video on Ciclopi Island
Aeolian Islands - Storm in a land of volcanoes
Date: September 26, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Léo Leibovici
Our arrival at the Aeolian Isles was met with a furious storm, which led to a tumultuous night. The crew stood fast and with the help of the local inhabitants, we were able to put Fleur de Passion out of danger.
Watch the video of the storm
We then encountered the island inhabitants who told us about life on the island and of its volcano.
Interview of an inhabitant
Bonifacio - Corsica
Date: September 15, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The Bouches-de-Bonifacio Nature Reserve is also a good example of Protected Marine Area management, even more so because of it's size, one of the biggest in the Mediterranean : 80000 ha. This Marine Area also posseses a vast protected expanse and species studies. It has also developed a surveillance network against poaching. But this strongly navigated passage area between Corsica and Sardinia threatens the tranquility of its inhabitants. In an effort to find a solution to the intensity of the maritime traffic, the Bouches-de-Bonifacio are beginning to approach their Sardinian neighbors, the Marine Areas of Maddalena. In unity lies strength.
Interview with Jean-Michel Culioli, who presents the Nature Reserve of the Bouches-de-Bonifacio, its management and its terrestrial and marine riches:Watch the video of the interview
End of Mission in Scandola - Corsica
Date: September 10, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The Nature Reserve of Scandola is a successful example of a protected Marine Area. Known of the jewel of Corsica, Scandola has managed to rehabilitate an abundant and sizeable local marine fauna. see the interview of Jean-Marie Diminici, director of the Scandola Reserve.
This Nature Reserve has permitted the survival of the balbuzard, which was nearly extinct. Today, these eagle fishers are part of a reintroduction program in Italy. This example of measures taken goes to show that this Reserve deserves to grow in order for it to provide a new fishing ressource. see the interview of Jean-Christophe Vié, deputy directeur, Species Program, IUCN, which has just published the 2008 report on the red list of threatened species.
Antinea came to dive at these exceptional sites accompanied by the director of the Marine Area, Jean-Marie Dominici, and to watch Jacques-Olivier's paragliding flight with his eagle.
Sailing from Calvi to Scandola - Corsica
Date: September 09, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
A beautiful trip led us to the magnificent Girolata bay, from where we will depart for our next mission at Scandola.
Watch the navigation video
End of the Stareso Mission in Calvi - Corsica
Date: September 05, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
At Calvi, Antinea went to the Stareso oceanographic center and welcomed researcher Jean-Henri Hecq, as well as the director of the center Pierre Lejeune, aboard for a plankton-collecting and liguro-provençal front identification mission.
Watch the interview of Jean-Marie Hecq
Watch the interview of Pierre Lejeune on climate change
Antinea spent a month in the Pelagos sanctuary making observation transects of cetaceans. It was thus particularly interesting for us to learn more about the source of their diet, plankton. This physically and scientifically intense day(Watch the rise of the plankton !)< was enhanced by an exceptionnal affluence of curious cetaceans moving towards Fleur de Passion. During the entire day, two groups of pilot whales and jumping sperm whales swam toward us, and dolphins came to play off the bow on several occasions.
Watch the video of the pilot whales
Dolphin Watching - Saint Florent - Corsica
Date: August 21, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Saint Florent is a bay which is highly concerned with its marine heritage. It houses a colony of dolphins (Trusiops Truncatus), which is studied all year long. This bay was even the stage of an important naval battle during the Renaissance. Two galleons sank here, and will soon be excavated under the direction of Arnaud Cazenave, an archeologist from la Roche. We divided our stay between visits of the two wrecks and discovering the local biodiversity with Charles Pinelli.
Interview of Charles Pinelli, Président des amis de l'Agriate
Pelagos Sanctuary : Caetacean observation
Date: August 15, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
We encountered Céline Arnal, president of the Cybelle Planète association, in the magical setting of the Pelagos sanctuary. This week was rhythmed by the development of observation protocols which will be used to study surface species such as moon fish, sea turtles and cetaceans. We were lucky enough to observe several different cetacean species.
Watch Céline Arnal's interview
Port Cros Marine Protected Area
Date: August 02, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The Port Cros halt was synonomous with encounters and discovery. Indeed, Fleur de Passion hosted two groups of 10 people aboard for two weeks in order to initiate them to navigation and the marine world. As life aboard with its new crew followed its course, some of the Antinea team, having remained on land, progressed on other projects. These projects consisted in the perfection of protocols on georeferenced transect videos, and testing the 3D modelisation program Oceanid. Local scientists and underwater cameramen dived at the Port Cros site in an effort to compare the results of underwater observations made by the scientists with the analysis of video footage provided by the cameramen. A lot of time was also spent with the marine reserve managers of Port Cros in an effort to understand how tourism, fishing and environmental protection could co-exist. The Antinea team was impressed with the richness of the marine floors; this comforted our idea that protected marine areas are the adequate solution for protecting the oceans. As part of the projection of the film "Home", produced by our sponsor, Luc Besson, Yann Arthus Bertrand honored us with a visit aboard. A projection of this documentary took place on the Lavandou beach, nearby Port Cros. 20000 people attended.
Cap d'Agde
Date: July 24, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Our collaboration with National Geographic truly started at Cap d'Agde. Indeed, Greg Marshall, the inventer of the "crittercam" camera, joined us aboard Fleur de Passion in order to put on of these cameras on a blue shark.
After a warm welcome by the "Thon Club d'Agde", they helped us in our attempt to capture the required specimen. Once again, the weather was rough and we had to remain ashore for two days. When the weather finally let up, another problem surfaced : no sharks! This demonstrates the urgency in protecting sharks, which are now part of the endangered species. 100 million sharks disappear every year, cause being accidental bycatches and the high demand for shark fins.
Watch the mission video
Loggerhead turtle tagging with a National Geographic critter
Date: July 21, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
A turtle injured by a fishing net, that was the reason of our presence here. This animal, treated by the "Cestmed" association at the Seaquarium, was to be released into its natural habitat. We used this oppurtunity to equip it with a crittercam. Watch the video where the crittercam is installed
The mission was met with success. Indeed, the camera detached normally and we were able to retrieve and use the footage recorded.
Watch the "first footage of the Crittercam" video
REPCET Program
Date: July 16, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The REPCET program held our attention during 10 days in Marseille. The objective of this tool is to anticipate collisions between ships and cetaceans. During this mission, we helped calibrate this program in collaboration with Pascal Mayol, president of the "Souffleur d'Ecumes" and "Chrysar" associations.
The weather conditions were unfortunately not favorable, and it was impossible to calibrate all the necessary settings due to strong winds. During a brief respite from the heavy winds, we managed to come across a whale. Thus, this sojourn left us with unforgettable memories. Beyond the scientific aspect, it was a true human adventure. Watch Pascal Mayol's interview
The mission was reconducted at the end of August whilst we were in Corsica at the Pelagos Sanctuary. This time the results were consequential.
We also used our time in Marseille to inaugurate Fleur de Passion, finally outfitted with its new sails.
The North Sails team, who supported us by designing and creating the sails for Fleur de Passion, came aboard to test them at sea for the first time. Ben Schagen, the director of North Sails Switzerland shared his first impressions.
Ben Schagen's interview
Inauguration of the Expedition - Marseille
Date: July 12, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The big day has arrived! After seven years of labor and more than 70000 hours of work, Fleur de Passion has come back to Marseille.
Team visit of the Penisola del Sinis MPA
Date: July 09, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
The "Penisola del Sinis" site in Sardinia is the first step in our visits of protected marine reserves. After a short tour, we got to work; local scientists presented the research protocols they had developed to date. One of them, Matteo, an ornithologist, litterally fell in love with our ship, Fleur de Passion. It was unfortunately not possible for him to join us, but our roads will cross again very soon. Indeed, he is currently collaborating with us on the subject of marine birds.
Watch the video
Tunisia-Sardinia route : encounter with The Rainbow Warrior
Date: July 08, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
En route to Sardinia, we came across Green Peace's vessel, Rainbow Warrior. Its mission was to make sure that tuna fishers were respecting their quotas.
The journey continued quite slowly due to weak winds, and we arrived at destination after 5 days of navigation.
Watch the video of the encounter with the Rainbow Warrior
Departure
Date: July 04, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Fleur de Passion is about to sail, and yet agitation reigns aboard until the very last instant! The preparation work will only be finished a few minutes before the departure. Finally we are leaving Tunisia for the beginning of this great expedition which will last 10 years and take us to all the seas on the globe.
Watch the video"
Tunisia : the Gulf of Gabès
Date: July 03, 2009Author: Sophie Boutin - Photography: Antinea Foundation
Our first mission was at the Gabès Gulf in Tunisia, not long after the departure of Fleur de Passion.
"Specifities of the Gabès Gulf" video
The two problematics we concentrated on were the pollution in the bay and overfishing.
The Gabès bay suffers from highly polluted offloads from local potassium mines. A huge clean-up is underway in order to remove all the polluted sand in the bay. This operation, financed by the IMF, will cost more than 65 billion euros. When finished, local inhabitants will rediscover a clean and healthy bay.
Overfishing has significantly reduced the quantity of fish in the bay. This was confirmed by a visit to the local fishing market in the medina. Many species such as sharks, red-finned tuna and meros are endangered today.
Watch the interview-testimony of Albert Falco
On top of this, the numerous trawlers present in this zone destroy the seabed with their brutal and irresponsible fishing techniques. In an attempt to resolve this problem, the tunisian government now encourages fishermen to revert to more traditional fishing techniques, which have less impact on the environment.
Despite efforts emanating from all sides, a conflict still subsists. Indeed, two worlds are living together without understanding one another; one very modern, driven by relentless profitability and the other of a more modest impact..Watch the video