tag

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has spotted an environmental violation involving the entry of three marine vessels into the fishing harbour of Bu Zuluf, located west of Al-Ruwais Port, where they collided with the coral reefs.A field inspection team from the ministry’s Marine Protection Department examined the site and found topographical changes to the seabed caused by the direct contact of the vessels with the coral reefs. This resulted in the destruction of coral structures, a reduction in the percentage of live coral cover, and erosion and sedimentation in parts of the reef area due to the collision.The ministry explained that these damages negatively affected the rich biodiversity of the area, home to many fish, invertebrates, and marine organisms associated with the coral reef ecosystem.The ministry stressed that it has taken the necessary legal measures against the violators, while confirming its continued efforts to intensify the protection of natural resources and monitor and detect any environmental violations against the country’s marine ecosystems.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department, in cooperation with the Marine Protection Department, have carried out 56 field visits since the beginning of this year, as part of the monthly marine environment monitoring programme.During this period, 2,240 variables were documented. The programme covers seven marine sites to monitor physical, chemical, and biological variables, which are regularly observed throughout the year. The aim is to track environmental changes in marine waters and provide accurate and periodic scientific data that help assess the status, in addition to monitoring biological indicators that reflect the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.The ministry affirmed that the programme serves as a fundamental tool to support the country’s efforts in protecting marine resources and preserving biodiversity, in addition to enhancing research studies that assist in developing policies and strategic plans to address environmental challenges.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has carried out a field operation to remove abandoned fishing gear from a coral reef fishing ground in the country’s eastern local waters, as part of the efforts to protect the marine environment and preserve biodiversity. The operation resulted in the retrieval of fishing nets and traps from a depth of 14m. They posed a danger to marine life and threatened the ecological balance of the surrounding marine environment, a statement added.

The marine Protection Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has been making several achievements to maintain the well-being of the local marine environment and ecosystems and protect the biodiversity in the country.During the second quarter of this year, the department spent 20 hours in tours in deep sea diving across various key locations in the local waters. It also spent 68 hours in various surprise inspection tours within the sea, besides 3,361 hours spent on daily field inspection tours.The department spent a total of 3,404 hours during the second quarter of the year carrying out various intensive and regular inspection and monitoring tours across various sites in the local waters.The department spotted 148 different violations during the same period, in addition to 25 violations regarding fishing cages, 11 violations for using long fishing lines, two regarding fishing tools, 86 fishing nets, and six violations for using non-standard spotlights and illegal lights. There were a total of 278 related violations spotted during the period.Further, the department conducted five study surveys on related issues, issued 829 reports through the various marine units it has, with a total of 834 reports made during the period.The department received 36 calls and requests that included 17 regarding encroachments and violations, 11 reports, five applications for services, and three inquiries.The department also took part at 14 different public workshops and campaigns to raise public awareness in different related topics. These included three training workshops, four cleaning campaigns, three inspection campaigns and four work meetings.