An interactive platform that aims to uncover the importance of coral reefs globally and specifically the condition of popular dive sites in Dahab (Egypt) by exploring their substrate composition between 2009 and 2019. One goal of this project is to pique people’s curiosity, improve their environmental awareness and empower them to make a change.

The data used in this project was collected by RSEC (Red Sea Environmental Center) with the help of volunteers. Each survey is conducted along a 100 m transect line, which is divided into four transects with 5 m non-researched zones in between. Up to 160 data points are collected during each survey. Percentages given are calculated based on the actual number of data points collected. Even though some inaccuracies may occur in the manual data collection process, this project clearly shows an increase in algal blooms and therefore a decrease in the coral reefs’ health. The sound of the coral reef was recorded by Isabel Erlebach in Dahab in September 2019 with a hydrophone provided by Jan Gohla.

The information designer with a love for data visualization and marine life chose this project for her master thesis in Visual Communication at the Universtity of Art and Design in Linz, Austria. As a passionate diver, she enjoys the coral reefs in Dahab and elsewhere and considers their protection vital. She helped collect some of the data in this project as a volunteer for RSEC in 2018 and 2019.

Reef Check is a California based global coral reef monitoring programme using a standardized method. ‘With offices in Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, California and volunteer teams in more than 40 countries and territories, Reef Check’s mission is to lead citizen scientists who promote stewardship of sustainable reef communities around the globe.’ REEFCHECK
‍
‘RSEC promotes coral reef education and conservation at the Red Sea. The RSEC runs a field station for marine science and marine conservation at the southeast coast of the Sinai in Dahab. Our partner dive center at the Red Sea is Sinai Divers Backpackers.’
RSEC

For providing conceptual, visual and programming counsel.
Master-Visual-Communication

This project was built by Andrej Hribernik with Webflow. Data visualizations and final project created by Piotr Paszek.
WEBFLOW, SAUCESITES, DATA VISUALIZATION

For the possibility to be part of this study and your support for this project.
Red-Sea-Environmental-Center

For the unforgettable and safe diving experiences in Dahab.
sinaidivers, Mohsen-ElSaka

For lending me underwater audio equipment and offering technical support for using a hydrophone.
mare-mundi

For the inspiration by the podcast ‘Oceans of Noise’ and the hydrophone recommendation.
Oceans-Of-Noise