May 11, 2009

Cairo – Yesterday, the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, represented by Deputy Secretary Dr. Maged El-Sherbiny, the President of the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Dr. Mohamed Shreadah, and the Director of Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Dr. Shirley Pomponi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on a range of oceanographic projects, including the development of state-of-the-art laboratories for research in aquaculture, coral reef conservation, and marine natural products at the Hurghada Marine Research Station. Construction of a public aquarium has begun and will contribute to the economic vitality of the region and promote environmental stewardship. The U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Cooperation Fund, funded cooperatively between the United States Agency for International Development and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is providing support for the planning and development of the project.