Ethiopia allied itself with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, following the rise of the Derg, the Dahlak Archipelago was the location of a Soviet Navy base. In 1990, Ethiopia lost control of the Dahlak Archipelago and the northern Eritrean coast to the Eritrean independence movement (EPLF) and by 1991 Ethiopia had lost control of all of Eritrea. Following the international recognition of Eritrean independence in 1993, the Dahlak Archipelago became a part of Eritrea. Ecology Some of the islands are fringed with mangroves and others with salt brush scrub. The coral reefs and shoals that surround the islands are rich in marine life, and many sea birds visit the area. Dolphins, dugongs, sharks and turtles can be seen as well as a great variety of invertebrates. See also Sultanate of Dahlak Dahlak Marine National Park Dahalik languages References External links Dahlak – Reef pearls of the Red Sea – Dahlak Islands informative site Massawa Northern Red Sea Region Landforms of Eritrea Islands of the Red Sea Archipelagoes of the Indian Ocean Russian and Soviet Navy bases Military installations of the Soviet Union in other countries Ethiopia–Soviet Union relations