Fishing ban call for Ras Mohammed

A petition against fishing in the Egyptian national park of Ras Mohammed has been set up by divers.

The Ras Mohammed area near the Sinai resort of Sharm El Sheikh is hugely popular with marine lovers.

It has been a no fishing zone since 1983, when it became the first national park in Egypt.

Ras Mohammed’s abundant coral reefs are a massive draw to divers from across the globe, as well as important for the local economy.

But now the South Sinai Governor has announced fishing is to be allowed in the area until June 2011.

The healthy ecosystem of the area could be damaged by fishermen, drawn to the lucrative Spangled Emperor fish spawning season.

Divers are being asked to sign an online petition calling to have the decree overturned and the area’s marine diversity protected.