Kuwaiti divers remove 5 tons of waste, protecting marine life

The Kuwaiti diving team from the Environmental Volunteering Group has successfully completed the first phase of the southern coast cleaning project, removing five tons of plastic waste, timber, and fishing nets from the area.

The team leader, Walid Al-Fadhel, told KUNA on Saturday that the cleaned coastal areas included Bnaider, Al-Zour, Al-Khiran, and Al-Nuwaiseeb. He also noted that the team removed three stranded buoys that posed a risk to maritime navigation.

Al-Fadhel explained that this initiative was launched in response to strong seasonal southern winds, which caused high waves and carried waste to the shores. As the winds later shifted northward, the debris became anchored along the coastline.

Furthermore, Al-Fadhel emphasized the environmental threat posed by plastic waste, citing a United Nations report that highlights its devastating impact. According to the report, plastic pollution causes the deaths of one million birds annually, along with a quarter of a million marine creatures, including endangered turtles.

Al-Fadhel stated that the team utilized specialized equipment, boats, and vehicles to clear the waste. He emphasized their commitment to continuing coastal cleanup efforts across the country, including areas such as Al-Jadilyat and Al-Jahra Reserve, in collaboration with the Environment Public Authority. Additionally, he announced a dedicated beach cleanup campaign for students, scheduled to take place every Tuesday.

Moreover, Al-Fadhel also emphasized the team’s ongoing efforts to retrieve abandoned boats and fishing nets from coral reefs. Additionally, he highlighted their commitment to raising awareness about marine conservation through educational campaigns, including lectures and informational materials distributed to all segments of society.

Al-Fadhel emphasized the team’s ongoing cooperation and coordination with various governmental, private, and voluntary organizations, as well as relevant entities across the Gulf and internationally. He highlighted the importance of exchanging expertise and learning from successful projects to enhance marine conservation efforts.

Al-Fadhel emphasized the importance of adhering to the Environmental Protection Law, not only to prevent environmental violations but also to safeguard the marine ecosystem.