Underwater rescue group retrieves 200-kilogram discarded fishing net from Umm Deira's coral reefs.
The Kuwait Dive Team of the Kuwaiti Environmental Voluntary Foundation has been generating waves in the conservation world. These diving enthusiasts recently tackled a massive 200-kilogram abandoned fishing net lurking dangerously among the Umm Deira coral reefs, nine meters below the surface north of Qaruh Island.
Leader Walid Al-Fadhel of the team shared with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the fishing nets had tangled with the coral reefs, posing a threat to marine life like fish and other marine creatures while causing harm to the coral itself. Al-Fadhel expressed gratitude for the team's extensive experience and responsible use of air bags, backpacks, and other diving equipment that helped ensure the site remained undamaged.
Abandoned fishing nets pose a myriad of problems, such as suffocating and killing corals, lethally impacting fish and other organisms within the reefs, disrupting the ecological balance, posing a danger to marine navigation, and endangering divers.
Umm Deira's reef area consists of three adjoining sites, each of varying sizes. They are located 13 kilometers north of Qaruh Island and 50 kilometers from the Al Khairan coast. In case an incident involving fishing nets occurs, Al-Fadhel recommends immediate reporting to the team, the Coast Guard, or the Environment Public Authority.
The Kuwait Dive Team partakes in numerous projects: the "Marine Anchors" project that has set up 108 marine anchors at coral reef sites, the "Removal of Nets from Coral Reefs" project, the "Jaber Al-Kuwait Marine Reserves" project, the "Coral Farming" project, the "Boat Recovery" project, and the "Monitoring and Documenting Coral Reef Sites and Assessing Their Health" project, in collaboration with the University of Queensland in Australia.
To elevate environmental awareness, the team distributes publications and photographs showcasing Kuwait's coral reefs across various societal sectors. Their tireless efforts to preserve Kuwait's marine environment and promote sustainable marine ecosystems should be applauded.
Interestingly, this dedicated team has successfully removed several vast fishing nets in the past, including three weighing around two tons from Kuwait's waters[4][5]. Additionally, the team's underwater endeavors comprise installing marine moorings to protect coral reefs, creating artificial reef colonies, and even cultivating corals for healthier ecological systems[2].
These impressive undertakings highlight the commitment of the Kuwaiti Environmental Voluntary Foundation to safeguarding Kuwait's marine treasures.
- The removal of the 200-kilogram abandoned fishing net from Umm Deira's coral reefs by the Kuwait Dive Team demonstrates their significant contribution in the conservation world, as documented by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
- Walid Al-Fadhel, leader of the Kuwait Dive Team, shared with KUNA that such fishing nets harm the environment negatively, causing damage to coral reefs, marine life, and disrupting the ecological balance.
- In an effort to promote sustainable living and reduce the negative impacts of climate-change on the environment, the Kuwait Dive Team is actively involved in projects such as "Monitoring and Documenting Coral Reef Sites and Assessing Their Health," in collaboration with the University of Queensland in Australia.
- The Kuwait Dive Team's tireless efforts extend beyond the conservation of coral reefs, with projects including cultivating corals, installing marine moorings, and creating artificial reef colonies, all contributing to healthier ecological systems.
- Understanding the importance of environmental-science in the light of climate-change, the team disseminates information and images of Kuwait's coral reefs, raising awareness and encouraging sustainable-living in various societal sectors, championing the home-and-garden concept.
