12 tonnes of waste fished out of Shaam beach in Ras Al Khaimah
ras al khaimah — Twelve tonnes of waste was fished out of Shaam beach, 35km north of RAK city showing that earlier clean-up campaigns have not been effective. The present campaign was conducted by the Oxygen team, comprising volunteers in collaboration with the RAK police, the RAK department of public works and services, and the RAK customs.
Major Tariq Al Sharhan, head of ambulance and rescue department, RAK Police, said they have managed to extract large amounts of wastes from the sea. “On top of these were three old fishing boats and worn-out tyres.”
The campaign has successfully extracted fishing nets, locally known as Alyakh, along with nylon ropes used by fishermen here, he added. “We also hauled out old fishing traps, known as Qaraqeer.
Major Al Sharhan said the dumped fishing nets and ropes pose a serious threat to the ma- rine environment. Other marine wastes, such as empty plastic bottles, bags and cans, also pose a grave risk to the environment and marine life, Major Al Sharhan underlined.
The campaign covers all fishing ports of the emirate like the ports of Ras Al Khaimah, Jazirat Al Hamra, Muairidh, Al Rams, Ghalila, Khor Khuweir, Shaam, and Al Jeer, said Maj Al Sharhan.
“Such campaigns help sustain the fish and water wealth along the beaches and coasts of the country,” he said, noting that the campaign covers all emirates.
Abdullah Rashid, a volunteer with the campaign, told Khaleej Times that he was very keen to participate in the nationwide drive. “It is our duty to protect our natural resources, marine wealth and environment.” Across RAK, 328 tonnes of waste have been recovered.