Khasab – Environmental teams in Musandam have removed fishing nets entangled in coral reefs around Umm Al Tair Island, as part of efforts to protect marine habitats and reduce threats to fish stocks.

The field campaign was carried out by the Environment Department in Musandam governorate under programmes targeting abandoned or lost fishing gear.

Such nets, often referred to as ghost nets, can continue trapping marine animals after being lost at sea. They can also break or smother corals, damaging habitats used by commercially important fish species.

Abdul Wahid bin Hassan Al Kamzari, Head of the Environmental Control Department in Musandam, said removing entangled nets was necessary to limit risks to marine organisms and preserve the ecological balance of reef systems.

“Coral reefs in Musandam are among the governorate’s most important marine ecosystems,” he said.

“They provide natural habitats for many marine organisms, support biodiversity and create breeding and nursery areas for economically important fish.”

Musandam’s waters support coral reefs, commercial fish, sea turtles, dolphins, whales and other marine species. The governorate’s location and coastal geography also make its marine environment important for fisheries, diving and nature-based tourism.

Damage to reefs can therefore affect both biodiversity and economic activity linked to fishing and marine tourism.

The Environment Department said it would continue field inspections, reef monitoring and marine debris removal, while responding to reports of environmental violations.

Awareness campaigns are also being directed at fishermen and other sea users to encourage the recovery of lost gear and the proper disposal of waste.

Al Kamzari called on the public to report practices or debris that could harm the marine environment, saying conservation required cooperation between authorities, fishermen, tourism operators and local communities.

The campaign forms part of broader environmental monitoring work in Musandam aimed at protecting coastal and marine resources and supporting the sustainability goals of Oman Vision 2040.