A pod of five rare dolphins was sighted yesterday 22 June, and earlier for over two hours on 17 June in the Red Sea waters north of Hurghada, the Ministry of Environment announced. The dolphins belong to the Rough-Toothed Dolphins species which is mainly characterised by conical heads, slender noses, and distinctive teeth. Rough Toothed Dolphins live in deep, warm, tropical waters. In 2018, a pod of 10 Rough-Toothed Dolphins was spotted in the open sea near Hurghada for 15 minutes.
According to Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, the recurring sighting of the same species at the same time of the year and over a longer duration reflects the positive outcome of reduced human activity on marine life. Fouad explained that the suspension of the movement of motor boats and therefore the reduction of carbon emissions and the absence of vibrations has helped ecosystems regain their balances, and has had a positive impact on the marine environment.
Watani International
23 June 2020