Quriyat – Quriyat Divers have removed around 300kg of abandoned fishing nets from the seabed off Quriyat, working at depths of up to 24m as part of ongoing efforts to protect marine life and coral reefs.

The operation, carried out on September 25, followed a report from a fisherman about fishing nets that had become trapped at a fishing site.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Juma Khamis Al Amri, head of Quriyat Divers, said the initiative formed part of the team’s continued voluntary efforts to protect the marine environment and reduce the risks posed by abandoned fishing gear.

Following the report, the team conducted a field assessment to determine the location and condition of the nets and identify the equipment and number of divers required to remove these safely.

Six divers participated in the operation, which involved working at depths ranging from 7m to 24m, with the divers spending about an hour underwater. They recovered approximately 300kg of abandoned fishing nets before completing the task and returning to Quriyat Port.

The latest clean-up brings the total number of environmental initiatives carried out by Quriyat Divers since their establishment in 2019 to 54.

The team currently has 60 registered members and has removed approximately 23 tonnes of marine waste through its various activities. The team operates under the message: Let our seas remain blue.

Its initiatives include recovering lost and abandoned fishing nets, removing waste from the seabed and coastal areas, and conducting activities to raise awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and natural resources.

Al Amri highlighted the importance of cooperation between fishermen, divers and community members in reporting lost or abandoned fishing nets and other fishing equipment.

Such reports enable the team to identify affected locations and respond promptly, helping to reduce the potential impact of abandoned gear on marine organisms and habitats.

He also expressed appreciation to the fisherman who reported the nets, noting that community participation is an important factor in the success and sustainability of environmental initiatives.