Thousands of marine species thrive in Kuwait’s artificial coral reefs
The Kuwaiti diving team affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation has announced significant growth of coral reefs and marine biodiversity within the artificial reef colonies located in the Jaber Marine Reserves in southern Kuwait.
According to the team’s environmental projects manager, Mahmoud Ashkanani, the project forms part of the broader artificial marine reserves initiative, which represents more than 30 years of volunteer environmental work aimed at protecting and restoring Kuwait’s coral reef ecosystems.
Ashkanani said the project has successfully created an environment closely resembling natural coral reef habitats, resulting in dense growth of coral and sponges and the settlement of thousands of marine organisms, including shellfish, oysters, echinoderms, algae, and various species of fish.
He explained that the initiative transformed previously barren sandy sea beds into thriving marine environments, helping restore biodiversity in areas affected by coastal landfill, construction activities, water currents, and sediment accumulation that had previously damaged natural reef systems and displaced marine life.
Ashkanani praised the support provided by the Environment Public Authority, Kuwait Oil Company, Mina Al-Ahmadi, and Kuwait National Petroleum Company in advancing the project.
He urged beachgoers and chalet visitors to help preserve the reserves and not dump fishing nets and traps near coral reef sites.
