Egypt creates Mediterranean reserve

The reserve, which covers 150 square miles, is in a less-dived part of the country but is said to contain some 12,000 marine species.

It has been created in order to conserve biodiversity and provide a good operating ground for research.

The new MPA provides a northern counterpart to the MPA at Ras Mohammed in the Egyptian Red Sea.

The Ras Mohammed MPA was established 27 years ago to protect marine life, since when it has become a highly popular diving holiday destination.