Quriyat Divers remove over 500kg of marine waste to save coral reefs
Muscat - Ten members of a volunteer diving team removed over half a tonne of marine waste off the coast of Oman within the Muscat governorate.
Dedicated volunteers from Quriyat Divers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, successfully removed 510kg of marine waste in their continuous effort to save coral reefs from pollutants, besides raising environmental awareness.
Throughout the year 2023, Quriyat Divers has undertaken a series of cleanup campaigns to retrieve debris, waste and fishing nets from the bottom of the sea. The most recent cleanup was done on Saturday, at Quriyat Port, with the participation of ten skilled divers.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Juma Khamis al Amri, head of Quriyat Divers, said that this particular event marked their 20th cleanup dive. “During our latest dive in Quriyat Port, we managed to remove 510kg of fishing nets, iron pieces, plastic, and empty cans. The dive, which commenced at 2:30pm, concluded at 7pm,” he informed.
Amri highlighted that the cleanup initiative in Quriyat was aimed at removing the waste generated due to fishing activities, besides increasing awareness about the importance of preserving coral reefs, and encourage fishermen to adhere to fishing laws. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the dive, he said, “The frigid water at a depth of 30m and the powerful currents posed significant obstacles for our divers. However, their determination and patience allowed them to overcome these difficulties.”
Established in January 2019, Quriyat Divers conducted their inaugural cleanup dive at Ras Abu Dawood in Quriyat, successfully removing 800kg of nets, anchors, and ropes. It remains passionate about their mission to cleanse Oman's seas.
“The Sultanate boasts numerous breathtaking diving sites that attract visitors from around the globe. We implore fishermen to keep our seas clean," Amri said.
By engaging in cleanup efforts, Quriyat Divers is playing a crucial role in preserving the delicate marine environment and promoting sustainable practices among the fishing community.