Muscat – The Environment Authority, in cooperation with volunteer teams, has removed more than 4,000kg of marine waste from the Muscat Governorate and Dhofar Governorate, underscoring growing national efforts to protect marine ecosystems and raise awareness on coastal pollution.

An official at the authority said the clean-up drive continued recently with the conclusion of a three-day coral reef campaign in Sadah, Dhofar. The initiative resulted in the removal of 2,460kg of abandoned fishing nets and debris from the seabed as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard marine habitats and ensure their sustainability.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Juma Khamis al Amri, Head of the Quriyat Divers, said the team has been actively collaborating with the authority on targeted initiatives aimed at cleaning the seabed and promoting a culture of environmental volunteerism.

He added that on April 24, 2026, the wilayat of Quriyat hosted the ‘Blue Horizon’ initiative, organised by the Environment Authority with broad participation from public and private entities and volunteer groups  with support from the Coast Guard, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, Muscat Municipality and the Fisheries Development Department in Quriyat.

The initiative led to the recovery of approximately 1,665kg of marine waste from the seabed, with 27 divers – both scuba and free divers – taking part. Clean-up operations were carried out at a fishing site at depths ranging from 8 to 20 metres, requiring precision to avoid damage to coral reefs and marine life.

Marine debris poses serious risks to ecosystems, with discarded nets and plastics causing injury and death to marine species through entanglement and ingestion. It also damages coral reefs, which serve as vital habitats for fish, while impacting economic activities such as fisheries and tourism. In addition, pollutants can enter the food chain, posing long-term risks to human health.

These initiatives form part of broader efforts to enhance environmental sustainability, reduce marine pollution and preserve Oman’s rich marine biodiversity.