Diving Team Prepares 35 Mooring Buoys to Protect Coral Reefs in Kubbar

The Kuwaiti diving team at the Environmental Volunteer Foundation (Al-Mubara) announced the installation of 35 marine moorings on Failaka Island as part of a project to install and maintain marine moorings around the southern islands and key coral reef sites, aiming to protect the marine environment and its components.

Waleed Al-Shatti, the team’s marine operations manager, told KUNA yesterday that this project is among the most important preventive environmental initiatives to protect coral reefs from destruction and breakage caused by anchoring boats and yachts using anchors or buoys.

Al-Shatti added that the moorings provide a safe and easy means of securing boats and yachts during docking, without relying on traditional methods. They also protect coral reef sites from debris such as fishing nets and other waste. He clarified that the moorings help island visitors identify safe boundaries for shallow areas, preventing collisions. He noted that the project requires significant efforts and continuous monitoring by the team throughout the year.

He mentioned that the marine mooring project began in 1997 and has been developed over the years to reach its current components, which offer the highest levels of safety and durability even under the most difficult weather conditions. He explained that the moorings are environmentally friendly, with a total of 130 moorings installed at all marine sites with high coral density.

Al-Shatti pointed out that the project has a clear impact on rehabilitating anchoring sites, considering the team’s experience in this field to be pioneering globally, with its achievements disseminated through documentaries, photographs, and information.

He appreciated 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 protecting the marine environment and maritime safety. He praised the role of sea users who comply with marine conservation regulations, expressing gratitude to all supporting entities for their social responsibility.

Regarding Failaka Island, he stated that it is one of Kuwait’s beautiful islands, located 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. The island is characterized by its clear waters, soft sands, and surrounding diverse coral reefs at depths ranging from two to 20 meters. It is also home to flocks of rare migratory birds.

Al-Shatti added that Failaka and its natural wildlife constitute a natural reserve where interference with its natural components is prohibited. The team has carried out several environmental operations to save it, including removing nets entangled in coral reefs, salvaging sunken boats and yachts, retrieving debris, and installing marine moorings for anchoring boats and yachts to avoid breaking coral reefs.