Diving Team Prepares 35 Sea Mooring Points in Failaka Island

The diving team of the Kuwait Environmental Voluntary Foundation prepared 35 sea moorings on Failaka Island as part of a project to install and maintain moorings around the southern islands and coral reef sites, aiming to reduce environmental damage to the marine ecosystem caused by the traditional mooring of boats and yachts.

Waleed Al-Shatti, the team’s marine operations manager, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday that the sea moorings provide a safe means for docking boats and yachts, protecting coral reefs from breakage and destruction resulting from the dropping of traditional anchors. They also help mitigate damage caused by fishing nets and debris lodged in marine sites.

Al-Shatti added that the moorings mark safe boundaries for shallow areas, reducing the risk of boats colliding with them. He noted that the project requires continuous field efforts and monitoring throughout the year.

He explained that the project began in 1997 and has seen developments in its components and implementation methods over the years. The number of moorings in marine sites with high coral density has reached approximately 130, designed to ensure safety, durability, and compliance with marine environmental protection requirements.

Al-Shatti highlighted that the project has contributed to rehabilitating mooring sites and reducing damage to coral reefs. He noted that the team’s experience in this field has attracted international attention and has been documented through documentaries, photographs, and informational materials.

Al-Shatti praised the efforts of the General Directorate of Coast Guard, the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs, and the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources in enforcing laws related to marine environmental protection and enhancing maritime safety. He commended sea users for their commitment to preserving marine life and acknowledged the role of supporting entities in fulfilling their social responsibilities.

An island with rich biodiversity

Failaka Island is one of Kuwait’s islands known for its ecological diversity. Located about 30 kilometers from the Zour coast, it covers an area of 140,000 square meters, with a length of 370 meters and a width of 300 meters. It is surrounded by diverse coral reefs at depths ranging from 2 to 20 meters, and serves as a habitat for flocks of migratory birds.

Al-Shatti pointed out that the team has carried out various environmental activities on the island to protect its natural components, including removing fishing nets entangled in coral reefs, salvaging sunken boats and yachts, and clearing debris, alongside installing sea moorings to provide safe docking points and minimize damage to coral reefs.