KUWAIT CITY, Feb 1: A Kuwaiti diving team from the Environmental Voluntary Foundation on Sunday successfully removed a ton of abandoned fishing nets from Kuwait Bay and the Fintas coastline, in an effort to protect marine life and ensure safe maritime navigation.

The operation was conducted in cooperation with the General Directorate of Coast Guard and Marine Rescue of the General Fire Force. Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the abandoned nets posed a serious threat to wildlife, trapping fish and other marine creatures. The team freed the trapped animals and removed the debris using specialized techniques that comply with strict environmental safety standards.

“These nets are among the most dangerous plastic pollutants,” Al-Fadhel said, noting that they can take centuries to decompose and continue to indiscriminately catch turtles, dolphins, and fish, while also damaging coral reefs and obstructing maritime navigation.

Al-Fadhel said the cleanup is part of ongoing initiatives that include maintaining 108 marine moorings in coral reef areas and managing the Jaber Kuwait Marine Reserve, which consists of 25 artificial reef colonies. The team also works on coral cultivation, salvaging sunken vessels, and monitoring reef health in collaboration with the University of Queensland, Australia.

He added that the team continues to raise public awareness through publications and visual materials showcasing Kuwait’s marine biodiversity. Al-Fadhel urged fishermen and seagoers to avoid prohibited areas and adhere to national environmental laws. He also called for prompt reporting of entangled nets to the diving team, Coast Guard, Environment Public Authority, or Marine Rescue Department to minimize environmental damage and navigation risks.

The one-ton abandoned fishing net poses a serious threat to marine life.