With so many of the world’s habitats and species at risk, innovative strategies for addressing tough environmental problems are essential. JREDS’ marine conservation program reaches beyond marine biologists and researchers to involve hotel guests, divers and snorkeling enthusiasts in our goals. Our program aims at protecting underwater life by building awareness and education about the causes of damage to marine life. We believe that awareness education is, and will remain, the most important element in our marine conservation program for the long term.

Coral Monitoring
In 1995 JREDS conducted a baseline survey for the coral reef in order to do a comparison for the health of the coral for future references. Four coral stations were specifically designed and placed in different sites under water to monitor the ongoing health of the coral reef. Data collected from those stations are fed into a database and the resulting indicators are taken into consideration whenever new policies are made.

Monitoring of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS)
The Crown-of-Thorns starfish can cause indescribable damage to coral reefs if an epidemic occur due to the lack of natural predictor; this cause stress on the coral reef because the Crown-of-Thorns starfish feeds on coral polyps. Removing the creature from the reef has to be accomplished very carefully as the starfish defends itself with extremely sharp and toxic spines that can break off and remain embedded in a person’s skin. Once caught, the starfish must be buried deep in sand.
In arrangement with all diving centers, JREDS has asked all divers to report any Crown-of-Thorns starfish. We keep a record of every reef where the starfish was witnessed (including the depth and size) to act upon analyzing the data collected.

Reintroducing Native Turtles Back to the Red Sea
As part of our efforts to reintroduce marine life to the Red Sea, JREDS released approximately 40 endangered Hawksbill turtles back to the sea. JREDS is also involved in a regional program with concerned neighboring countries to breed additional turtles and release them back to the sea.

Underwater Clean Up Project
This project focuses on the conservation of the marine eco-system in the Gulf of Aqaba through clean-up activities and by monitoring trash pollution. JREDS has designed under-water maps that plot the locations of under-water trash. The project aims to establish a monitoring system to track the quantities and types of trash and to research the impact on the marine life. Clean-up efforts are focused towards researching the origin and reason for litter so as to promote public awareness and solution.