Kuwait Dive Team Deploys 35 Moorings to Shield Kubbar Island’s Coral Reefs

Installation of 35 Moorings at Kubbar Island

Kuwait’s Environmental Voluntary Foundation announced that its dive team has placed 35 marine moorings at Kubbar Island. This activity forms part of a broader initiative to install and maintain moorings around Kuwait’s southern islands and at key coral reef locations to safeguard the marine environment.

Project Goals and Environmental Impact

Waleed Al-Shatti, Head of Marine Operations at the Kuwait Dive Team, told KUNA on Thursday that the project is one of the most important preventive environmental projects for protecting coral reefs. He said, “It prevents reefs from being damaged and broken by boat and yacht anchors dropped onto sand or coral.” He added, “The moorings give boats a safe, easy way to tie up without traditional anchors, and also protect reef sites from drifting debris such as fishing nets.” Al-Shatti noted, “The moorings also mark safe boundaries around shallow sites so that visitors to the island avoid running aground.” He emphasized, “The project requires major effort and continuous follow-up by the team throughout the year.”

Project History and International Impact

Al-Shatti stated, “The mooring project began in 1997 and has been developed over the years to give maximum safety and durability even in the harshest weather.” He said, “The moorings are environmentally friendly and now number 130, covering all marine sites with dense coral.” He noted, “The project has had an impact internationally by rehabilitating mooring sites.” He added, “The team’s experience in the field has been shared worldwide through documentaries, photographs and published information.”

Support and Recognition

He praised the Coast Guard General Administration, the Environment Public Authority (EPA) and the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAFR) for enforcing laws on protecting the marine environment and navigation safety. He also commended sea-goers for their commitment to preserving marine life and thanked the project’s supporters for their social responsibility.

Geographic and Ecological Details of Kubbar Island

Kubbar Island lies about 30 kilometers off the Zour coast and covers an area of 140,000 square meters, measuring 370 meters long and 300 meters wide. It has clear waters and white sand and is surrounded by coral reefs at depths of 2 to 20 meters. The island is also home to flocks of rare migratory birds. Al-Shatti said, “The island’s natural life makes it a natural reserve that must be protected from interference.” He said, “The team has carried out several environmental rescue operations there, including removing nets caught on reefs, salvaging sunken boats and yachts and clearing waste.” It has also installed moorings for boats to prevent them from breaking the coral.

— KUNA