Into The Deep Blue
Funded entirely through sponsorship and endorsed by the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME), the ASE team of international and Arab film crew, scientists and divers began work in the Sultanate of Oman in May 1993. As with most projects of this kind, initial lack of financial commitment from potential sponsors meant starting in the deep end. However, with a seemingly unlimited variety of marine life from which to choose, Oman's natural resources have made life at least a little easier. Filming in Oman aims to celebrate the abundance and beauty of the marine environment whilst focusing on important conservation issues and needs affecting characteristic features of Oman's seas and coast.

Contractual agreements with international satellite networks such as Star TV, and free-of-charge regional distribution of all film material, will ensure that over 45 million viewers will enjoy a visual exploration through aquamarine seas studded with the vibrant colours of coral reefs. From breaching whales and dolphins that dance, to nesting turtles and tangled thickets of mangrove forest, within each film lies a complex interwoven theme of marine science, cultural tradition, modernisation and conservation. ASE, however, is more than just filming, more than the exploration of some of the most remote corners of the world.

Deeper Meaning
Active involvement of private sector businesses, local and international, through sponsorship opportunities, slowly but surely draws the environmental issues in question into the path of everyday economic life, in a sense privatising the marine environment. With a monetary value attached and public opinion at stake, protection of the environment quickly becomes a higher priority. With considerable promotional opportunities, sponsors are encouraged to actively participate in ASE's activities and receive full benefits from the project.

Government involvement within ASE is at a ministerial level. In Oman, direct financial support and continued participation from the Directorate General of Tourism (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) is an indication of the forward looking approach adopted by officials under a new Under-secretary in this Directorate, intent on promoting a healthy, but well balanced and controlled industry. For example, ASE are assisting with the development of "ecotourism"; elite groups of tourists enjoying Oman's natural wonders, such as underwater safaris, bird, turtle and whale watching trips, even mountain hikes and desert camel rides. Some of this may seem a long way from the sea for a project like ASE, but suitably illustrates its deeper objectives.

On occasion, Ministry officials are drawn into action as the ASE team capture dramatic scenes on film, that could provoke unwanted international concern. A recent example is an hour of raw footage covering the plight of the endangered green turtle in its quest for survival. In this case, an exclusive video report addressing sensitive political conservation issues was presented by ASE to the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment (MRME) with advice on remedial action. Considered of particular importance by the project is the establishment of protected areas - ecological sanctuaries, both marine and coastal, with limited, carefully controlled human use.

The First Film
Creating public awareness remains ASE's first and foremost role. Constant media attention throughout the world is beginning to show results. The local people however, are the prime target. Oman's reputation as a country brimming with environmental concern, was the single most important deciding factor in commencing the project here. AKA Video, an Omani company, harbours ASE's office and editing studio, while accommodation for the team is situated in the traditional fishing village of Qantab. However, the reaction locally has mostly been discouraging. The reason, perhaps, stems from a misconception of the meaning and potential of conservation. The popular labelling of conservationists as preservationists, is one myth that ASE is attempting to dispel. Conservation is being impressed upon the people as a modern concept, encompassing ancient traditions and the well-being of future generations, based on the sustainable use of natural resources and the avoidance of any unnecessary use. In some parts of central and southern Oman, this very concept can be seen in action. Areas of coral reef, put aside and jealously guarded by local fishermen for times of hardship, is one example which ASE will be highlighting on film. For its first film, however, ASE has centred its efforts in northern Oman.

Encased in custom fitted underwater camera housings, Panasonic M2 cameras are now well known to a considerable range of unusual forms of marine life in the Gulf of Oman. The cameras, complete with 600 watts of lighting, must have been viewed as such themselves at the start of filming, as even regular divers here are not so regular. This has the obvious advantage, however, of attracting the curiosity of most potential subjects. Some, however, such as cetaceans and turtles, have proved less trusting , perhaps as a result of past experience with human contact. The traditional practices of fishermen, particularly in relation to shark fishing, have provided a vehicle to convey the message behind ASE, whilst film sequences showing the importance of the region to unique and endangered marine fauna, like the green turtle, acknowledge the wealth of Arabia's natural heritage to an international audience. With the first film showing will come a greater involvement of local people and a more local taste to future films.

Future Films
Underwater filming requires luck, patience and the ability to expect the unexpected. Filming under sponsorship requires all of this and the will to change location at the whim of others. Promise of support in the United Arab Emirates seems likely to direct the ASE team to the Arabian Gulf in the near future. Before that, however, the majestic Musandam, a rocky peninsular of Fjord-like bays and inlets separated by steep mountainous headlands jutting out into the Straits of Hormuz, will host the next film.

Filming in Musandam will initially continue the theme of traditional fisheries activity, covering the day-to-day existence of a typical fishing family from the port of Khasab. Camera crew will accompany fishermen in traditional vessels from dawn to dusk, capturing the means, methods and moods of an ancient and intriguing way of life. As in all locations, filming in Musandam will also attempt to highlight the findings of research carried out by government institutions, independent consultants, universities and international organizations, such as IUCN (the World Conservation Union) and the United Nations. Close ties with scientific researchers currently in Oman also allows ASE to contribute data to on-going research.

A Final Message
With the help of sponsors such as Panasonic, Omega, Gulf Air, DHL, Evinrude, Bunns, AKA Video, Jotun and the Oman Arab Bank, the Arabian Seas Expedition is creating an awareness to help safeguard the seas of Arabia. Such international appeal bears testament to a region of unique natural wealth. It is a wealth that, if used wisely, will benefit future generations as it is the present. Evidence to date demonstrates the need for further action. ASE's simple message is aimed at you -Think Environment, Think Blue.