Our News

Corpses for Dinner

HEPCA has received concerned reports from several visitors of more than one the of the Albatros Hotels chain regarding what can only be described as a heinous crime by the hotel management, that does not only demonstrate their blatant lack of concern over the Red Sea’s natural resources, but clearly displays a complete ignorance of what sustains their own industry and future. From the information reported by several guests we have learnt that Hotel Beach Albatros, on a weekly basis, showcases a multitude of protected Red Sea species upon their buffet, ranging from parrot fish and eels to potentially endangered sharks. Let us explore the logic behind this weekly parade of carcasses: a visitor to the Red Sea has taken time off their work, travelled thousands of kilometres to come and stay at this resort and enjoy the natural wonders of the Red Sea. But rather than witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment glistening with life, they enter the dining hall of the Albatros Palace Hotel and find their lifeless corpses hung from the ceiling. Even setting environmental concerns aside, a dead body hung in a dining hall is nothing but distasteful and unappetizing. The environmental impacts of draining the shark population of the Red Sea, for garnish –or any other utilization, are immense; these activities are suicidal to the tourism industry and to the Red Sea community as a whole. Sharks play a pivotal role in maintaining the natural equilibrium in the sea, removing them will lead to a multitude of adverse impacts and potentially the disruption of the entire marine ecosystem. In addition shark fishing, trading and possession are illegal in the Red Sea as decreed by the Governor in 2006 and later on by the Minister of Agriculture. HEPCA shall take all possible actions against Albatros Hotels and any other organization that chooses to partake in such blasphemous and criminal ignorance. We call on all members of the community, visitors and officials to report and stop this devastation; our futures are doomed if we do not take direct action to stop these crimes.