News
A personal tribute to Amr Ali (1971-2016)
This weekend I learnt of the sad passing of my old friend and former colleague Amr Ali.
The conservation and diving community are a poorer place for the tragic loss of Amr but ever richer for his ceaseless endeavours to protect the marine life, environment and people of the Red Sea.
It is difficult to sum up everything that Amr meant in words. It’s a cliché but Amr was a true giant amongst men in terms of personality, reputation and, of course, stature. To spend a few minutes in his company was to become intoxicated by his passion, his ideals and his wicked sense of humour. His bear hugs were legendary and almost made you black out. His caustic wit was well used to render his friends speechless with laughter and his adversaries, simply speechless. Amr was truly charismatic.
In the public world, as the Managing Director of HEPCA – Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association – Amr was a true visionary and environmental warrior. He and his team were responsible for a number of outstanding projects.
Most famous of all is HEPCA’s pioneering mooring operation, which started in 1992 as a community initiative to protect the Red Sea reefs and became the largest mooring system in the world. Amr’s drive was responsible for this project being rolled out not just throughout the Egyptian Red Sea but also Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Under Amr’s leadership, HEPCA also triumphed in the battle to save Giftun Island from development, secured a decree to ban shark fishing, helped create sustainable conservation programs to protect dolphins at Samadai and dugongs and turtles at Abu Dabab, spearheaded a campaign to ban dolphinariums in the Red Sea, introduced and managed a solid waste collection, disposal and recycling strategy for the city of Hurghada and the southern Red Sea, initiated community development projects for the local Bedouin people, led numerous scientific research projects, educated thousands of children, tourists, workers and Red Sea residents and so much more.
It’s fair to say that with Amr at the helm, HEPCA grew from a small-scale organisation to one with an international profile; the leading NGO in marine and environmental conservation in Egypt, and a model and inspiration for similar organisations worldwide.
Amr himself was an inspiration. His passing leaves a huge hole in the Red Sea and wider community but his legacy must be the continuation of his life and work by all those he inspired and mentored. In that way, the absolute greatness of Amr Ali lives on.
“I am a free spirit and I shall not be tamed.” – Amr Ali
To find out more about the work of HEPCA, visit www.hepca.org.
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The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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