Our thoughts so far...

We're almost halfway through the expedition, so we decided to conduct interviews on the team members to share our thoughts so far and the highs and lows of life here in Egypt.

Rosie (Leader, coral project)

How is your project going? After a brief blip of some missing (or stolen) equipment, things are back on track. I am currently taking photos along transects on the North side of Abu Sautir reef and analysing them using CPC. The more photos I analyse the easier it becomes to use.

Favourite moment so far? The group dive at Serib Kebir, partly because of the company and partly because of the corals. Diving as a big group is so much fun! Also hearing dolphins underwater on the house reef.

Something you regret not bringing with you? I planned so much for this trip that I was well prepared, no regrets.

Something you’re missing from home? It’s too hot to enjoy drinking tea, so I miss that.

Hardest moment so far? When Hannah broke the expedition fan in our (non-air conditioned) bedroom.

Hannah (Leader, coral project assistant)

What is something you didn’t think would be a challenge but is? Getting people organised at the start of the day – everyone is so sleepy at breakfast.

Favourite moment so far? The night the guys arrived. We had a BBQ and a few of us had our first night dive, then we were in the pool until the boys arrived at 11pm. It was great finally having everyone together at last, and it felt like the past 8 months of prep and stress were finally worth it.

Top tips for surviving Egypt life? Carry a bag with you at all times with all your essentials, otherwise everything will get lost!

Who in the team would you eat first if stranded in the desert? Rosie, she’s a wee snack.

Something you’re missing from home? Rain. You either spend all your time here in warm, chlorinated or salty water. Some refreshing rain would be nice.

Fraser (Science coordinator, hawkfish project)

How is your project going? Very well, swimmingly you could say. The hawkfish are plentiful and willing to cooperate in my studies. I’m using I3S to find specific hawkfish and Graphedt to measure the fish in 3D, its fairly easy to use once you get the hang of it. I’ve encountered many individuals that had been spotted on previous expeditions.

Top tips for surviving Egypt life? Make friends with the other scientists, network constantly.

Something you’re missing from home? My squat rack, because big booties make the world go round.

Something you wish you’d known before you arrived? How to apply suncream properly.

Lauren (Diving officer, hawkfish project assistant)

What is something you didn’t think would be a challenge but is? Ants – everywhere!!! (as this interview was conducted she found ants in her crisp packet).

Favourite thing you’ve seen underwater so far? Fraser’s iPhone, which he forgot to take out of his pocket before a dive.

Something you regret not bringing with you? More clothes! And insect bite cream

Top tips for surviving Egypt life? Sleep under a wet towel at night, and don’t eat too many pancakes before a morning dive!

Favourite moment so far? Last week we had a beach BBQ and a few drinks while watching a really cool 'strawberry moon' come up over the water, which was really nice. Also the group dive at Serib Kerbir was so much fun.

Lisa (Cleaner wrasse project)

How is your project going? There’s been a few changes of method but the plan is looking solid now. I think I’m finally getting used to waking up at 5.30am to video the fish!

Favourite thing you’ve seen underwater so far? Me and Hannah went for a 6am snorkel and saw a massive 3m Giant Moray eel free swimming under us. The video from the encounter is class, although I don’t think it liked me putting the paralenz in its face.

Top tips for surviving Egypt? Don’t go in the sun, ever.

What is something you didn’t think would be a challenge but is? Lack of chicken to eat, specifically chicken wings.

Rhianna (Treasurer, cleaner wrasse project assistant)

What is something you didn’t think would be a challenge but is? Diving 3 times a day for multiple days – the first week of diving to get our Sports Diver qualification was tough.

Favourite moment so far? My 21st birthday, which was 5 days after we arrived. We did 2 dives and saw a symphony of squid which stayed with us during our safety stop.

Top tips for surviving Egypt life? Befriend Yogi (camp guard dog), but only once you’ve left him alone for 2 weeks and earned his respect.

Who on the team would you eat first if stranded in the desert? Hannah, because she’s a 'long boi'.

Robbie (Camera drop project)

How is your project going so far? Getting there slowly but surely as there is limited boat access, but everything is going to plan so far. It’s great to get out the camp for a bit to go to Queseir for the boat. The captain is a great laugh, hopefully I’ll find my sea legs soon, its SICK man.

Favourite moment so far? the first dive after we arrived, it was so much better than Scottish diving. We swam through a massive shoal of mackerel – it was amazing!

Something you’re missing from home? Golf with Dad.

Something you regret not bringing with you? A hard-drive – apparently I can’t fit 120 videos on a 16GB flashdrive.

Lewis (Camera drop project assistant)

Favourite moment/thing you’ve seen underwater so far? When me and Rhianna had a ‘fight’ underwater and Rhianna tried to kill me. I enjoyed seeing the blood lust in her eyes.

Top tips for surviving Egypt life? After sun – tonnes of it

Anything you’re missing from home? Tennents

Something you wish you’d known before you arrived? The exchange rate – apparently 100 Egyptian pounds isn’t that much, about £5 actually.

What is something you didn’t think would be a challenge but is? Outfit repeating, and the same songs being played over and over.