Turkish free diver raises awareness for coral reefs on World Oceans Day
SHARM EL-SHEIKH
World record-holding Turkish free diver Şahika Ercümen marked World Oceans Day on June 8 with a symbolic dive among the coral reefs of Egypt’s Red Sea, drawing attention to the growing threats facing some of the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
Ercümen, who serves as a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) advocate for Life Below Water and Türkiye’s Zero Waste Blue Ambassador, carried out the awareness dive at the Far Garden reef near the Reef Oasis Dive Club in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The dive showcased the rich underwater life of the Red Sea, including vibrant coral formations, spotted eagle rays and a variety of marine species.
Coral reefs provide habitat for millions of marine organisms, support fisheries and tourism and help shield coastal communities from storms and erosion.
