Do you know about the mystery of the Red Sea or why it is called the Red Sea? In the Red Sea, there are different types of algae, such as Trichodesmium erythraeum. Sometimes, these algae form as blooms on the water’s surface of the sea. After that, the colour changes when the algae bloom dies off, and the water becomes reddish brown. That’s the most unique and astonishing thing, which is why it is known as the Red Sea. Besides, the Red Sea has historical significance and is rich in resources. However, Eritrea has a coastline along the Red Sea. Eritrea’s most notable feature is the Red Sea. The Eritrean Red Sea is a coastal paradise with breathtaking beauty and a rich history. Eritrea’s Red Sea coastline stretches approximately 1,151 kilometers.

Eritrea, located on the Red Sea, has beautiful tourist attractions like the Dahlak Archipelago, Gorgussum Beach, and Tio Beach.

There is diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking for the adventurous.

The area contains cultural heritage from nine ethnic groups, as well as music, dance, and lively festivals.

Some of the major ones are Eritrea’s Independence Day, Fenkil Dayday, and Meskel and Martyr’s Day.

The Red Sea has many marine life, including clown fish, sea turtles, mantas, and sharks.

Despite the fishing industry providing $5.5 million a year to Eritrea’s economy, it struggles.

Eritrea is another place well-known for producing salt, which makes the Red Sea  one of the saltiest bodies of water.

The production of unique and rare pearls along the Red Sea makes the pearl industry an important historical sector. These pearls woo gem collectors.

Eritrea’s Red Sea coastal area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological findings indicate that humans lived there more than 125,000 years ago. Massawa is a key port on the northern part of the coastline. Assab, on the southern coast, is another important city. In the 1st century AD, the ancient port city of Adulis was an important trade centre near Massawa. It connected several ancient civilisations, like the Kingdom of Aksum. The Red Sea was a significant route for Islamic traders and explorers in medieval times. Nowadays, the Red Sea is used as a means of transport or business, and many tourists visit it yearly. 

The Red Sea has a warm climate with average temperatures between 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F) throughout the year. The warm water continuously fuels marine life and busy coral reefs. Its beautiful view and surprising features attract everyone. That is the reason why many tourists come here every year to visit the place.

In 2016, 142,000 tourists came to enjoy its beauty. Many beaches have grown and are famous for their beautiful features. The Dahlak Archipelago is renowned for its stunningly clear water and rich marine sources. With over 200 islands, this place attracts tourists from around the world.  Gorgussum Beach is near Massawa and is renowned for its white sands and serene environment. Tio Beach is also famous for its beautiful scenery and is ideal for swimming and picnicking. These coasts are medicine to the eye and contribute to Eritrea’s economy through marine resources and tourism.

Eritrean Red Sea is a tourist paradise with something everyone can enjoy, from adventure sports to close o­ne-on-o­ne encounters with nature. 

Activities to do to have pleasure-

• Diving and Snorkeling: The Red Sea is known for its clear view and coral trees under the water, so diving and snorkeling are done. The Dahlak Archipelago is a famous diving and snorkeling area with colorful sea life and underwater scenery.
• Sailing and Kayaking: The coast is perfect for sailing, as it offers breathtaking views and beautiful bays. Sailing allows you to explore hidden beaches and observe marine life more closely.
• Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: The Red Sea has perfect wind conditions, making it an excellent destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Combining both water sports is a different way to enjoy the sea.
• Historical Tours : Visit Massawa’s sites, including the Imperial Palace and the Ottoman bazaar. Natural beauty, unique architecture, and rich history all contribute to the allure of this unique destination.
• Wildlife Watching: The coastal and marine ecosystems of the Eritrean Red Sea feature a diversity of species. As you navigate the waters, you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and many types of fish. 

The clear coastline of the Red Sea outlet is great for relaxing. Experience the beaches and amazing coastal scenery.

Visitors enjoy the beauty of the sea; not only that, but they also explore many ethnic groups and their cultures. Visitors also loved to explore their new culture. There are nine officially recognised ethnic groups in Eritrea, each with its own traditions and customs. The largest ethnic group that makes the Tigrinya people have a vibrant music, dance traditions, and colorful traditional clothing. Several religions exist in the region, such as Christianity, Islam, and many conventional indigenous beliefs. The cultural customs and festivals of the area manifest religious coexistence.

Few colourful festivals in the Eritrean Red Sea area celebrate the region’s delightful culture. Some of the grand festivals celebrated in the region are as follows:

• Independence Day (May 24): One of Eritrea’s most significant national holidays. Independence Day celebrates the country gaining its independence following a protracted war with Ethiopia that ended in 1991. The events occur in various forms, such as parades, fireworks, musical performances, and street parties, especially in Asmara’s capital.
• Meskel (Sept 27th): This is another unique religious festival for Christians in Eritrea, especially for Orthodox Church followers. It then marks the discovery of the True Cross, and is also reflected in a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The festival includes the ablaze, dancing, traditional costumes, and large meals.
• Fenkil Day (February 8th-10th): Celebrates the 1990 Liberation of Massawa, an essential milestone towards Eritrea’s right for independence during the 30-year war. Primarily observed in Massawa, the festival features naval parades, cultural activities, speeches, and concerts, attracting tens of thousands of attendees.
• The Eritrea National Festival (August): This week’s long event in Asmara features Eritrean,n ar, and music, which takes crafts.  It includes fashion shows, local art exhibitions, and local cuisine demos.
• June 20th- Martyr’s Day (official observance): This national holiday commemorates the sacrifice of freedom fighters who died for Eritrea’s independence. It is observed with mass mourning rallies that culminate at nationwide cemeteries.
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha: The country’s Muslim community celebrates these significant Islamic days. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, and Eid ul-Adha commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.

Annually, the gross value of Eritrea’s fisheries is around $5.5 million. This fish industry meets the damnd of domestically besides its exports. An estimated $2.1 million worth of fish has been exported yearly. Additionally, More than 1,200 types of fish live in the Red Sea. The list of fish species & other species includes:

• Clownfish: The orange and white striped fish commonly seen while diving in the Red Sea
• Butterfish: One of the most widely recognised reef fish due to their colourful patterns and markings.
• Angelfish: Many divers are familiar with heavily coloured fish with distinctive shapes.
• Parrotfish: These are known as parrotfish because their mouths resemble beaks that scrape algae off the coral.

The Red Sea’s ecosystem is supported by coral reefs, which provide habitat and sustenance for many marine species. Notable coral types include:

• Staghorn Coral: This branching coral provides a habitat for small fish and invertebrates.
• Brain Coral: It gets its name based on its grooved surface, which resembles a human brain and is an essential component of the reef.
• Table Coral: These corals produce solid, flat, table-like structures that shelter many sea creatures.

Some other Marine Species groups of wildlife that call the Red Sea home include:

• Spinner Dolphins: These dolphins are known for their playful leaping spins and are often spotted in pods.
• Dugongs: Marine mammals closely related to manatees and seen in seagrass beds.
• Sea turtles: The Red Sea is a habitat for many sea turtles, including the green and hawksbill turtles.
• Manta rays: These large, graceful rays are well-known.
• Sharks: The Red Sea hosts multiple types of sharks, including reef sharks and hammerhead sharks.

A rich biodiversity and a great variety of habitats are found in the different parts of the Red Sea:

Coral Reefs are colourful underwater gardens in the Red Sea that are vital to marine life. Seagrass beds serve as food sources and incubation sites for species such as dugongs and sea turtles. Mangroves provide nursery grounds for many fish species and protect coasts against erosion.

These sea fishes are healthy options for all. These fish contain many elements that are beneficial for health. Fish like tuna, sardine and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health and cognitive functions. The fish provides an excellent source of high-quality proteins for muscle growth and repair. Vitamin D, B2 (riboflavin), iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium and potassium are essential vitamins and minerals. Most fish are low in unhealthy fat, making them a healthy protein option. Regular fish consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

The annual estimation for fish catching is around 4,000 and 6,000 tons. The peak production volume was in the 1950s, estimated at 8800 tons. Because of some challenges, the recent production has been reduced. Challenges like –

• Poor distribution system for transporting fish from coastal areas to markets.

• Lack of infrastructure leads to limited facilities for strong fishes
• Limited investment and technological problems reduce the growth of the modern fish industry.

Solutions to improve the situation- Fish farmers are waiting for new initiatives. As revolutionary changes occur in every aspect of life, so do changes in agriculture. This fish industry is already established and fulfils international demand after meeting domestic needs. If other initiatives can be taken to modernise the methods of fish farming, processing, and storage, it can again reach its peak production level. Moreover, the Red Sea contributes not only to the country’s fish industry but also to its salt industry. 

Eritrea’s salt industry is famous. The Red Sea is on the list of the saltiest bodies of water globally. Approximately 40 parts per thousand (ppt) of average salinity, more significant than the normal range’s oceans. The economies have benefited from the salt industry from the  Red Sea. 

Salt of the Earth Ltd. is based near the Gulf of Eilat. Its saltworks can produce approximately 200,000 tons of unrefined salt annually. The Middle East sea salt market was valued at approximately USD 599.19 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2030.

Red sea salt has been used in many ways. It is an edible salt rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Magnesium provides muscle functionality, soothes stress, and aids sleep. Potassium maintains blood pressure and muscle contractions—calcium Fortifies bones and teeth. Sodium maintains fluid balance and nerve function. Zinc augments immune health and hastens wound healing. This red sea salt is not only rich in salt and fish; it also has pearls.

History has told us that the  Farasan Islands in the Red Sea were famous for their natural pearls. Over 30 meters, divers descend to find this gem. While some other pearls are not as large as the region, the Red Sea pearl industry still holds a significant value. Red sea pearls come in various colours, including white, cream, silver and even champagne hues. Natural pearls from the Red Sea are rare and are highly valuable due to their unique characteristics and challenging environment. Although other pearl types are not commercially widely used, red sea pearls are prized by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts for their specific beauty.

1.What makes the Eritrean Red Sea a place of tourist attraction?

Thousands visit Eritrea yearly to experience its beautiful Red Sea beaches, biodiversity, adventure sports, and cultural tourism. Tourists have a variety of activities to choose from at the Eritrean Red Sea. These activities include diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wildlife watching and lounging at beautiful beaches.

Not only does Eritrea have some of the world’s top beaches, including some of the most famous beaches such as the Dahlak Archipelago, Gorgussum Beach, and Tio Beach.

2.Which of the significant festivals are celebrated in the Eritrean Red Sea?

Holidays of importance include Eritrea Independence Day, Fenkil Day, Meskel, Eritrea National Festival, and Martyr’s Day.

3.What marine life exists within the Eritrean Red Sea?

Home to a diverse range of marine life, the Red Sea is famed for clown fish, angelfish, parrot fish, sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays and sharks.

4.What is Eritrea’s salt industry under the Red Sea?

Another reason Eritrea is a large salt producer is its location in the highly salinised Red Sea. Salt is a huge boon to the national economy.