Muscat: Oman Sail, in collaboration with Omantel and the Environment Authority, successfully completed an underwater coral reef clean-up project at the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve to commemorate World Ocean Day. A team of 29 divers from Oman Sail, along with volunteers from Omantel, dedicated their efforts to promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the oceans and minimizing human impact on marine life.
Renowned Omani champion diver, Omar Al Ghailani, who holds the record for the world's deepest free dive, joined the initiative to lend his expertise in locating discarded items that were hidden from view.
This year's World Ocean Day, celebrated on 8 June, focused on the theme of 'Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate'. In line with this theme, the team of divers not only cleaned the coral reefs but also ensured the surface of the water was free from pollutants, safeguarding the diverse marine and bird species that call the nature reserve their home.
Unfortunately, the coral reefs have suffered damage due to discarded and lost fishing gear, disrupting the natural patterns of various species and posing a threat to the overall health of marine life. Plastic waste and abandoned fishing nets have led to the ingestion of harmful materials by fish, turtles, and birds.
Saba Said Al Busaidi, Corporate Affairs Senior Manager at Omantel, emphasized the importance of protecting the marine environment. She stated, "Omantel recognizes the significance of safeguarding our oceans, as they provide us with connectivity to over 120 cities worldwide through our submarine cables. Oman is blessed with remarkable biodiversity, which we must preserve and nurture. Supporting this initiative is a great honor for us, and we hope it inspires visitors to the reefs to be more conscious of their impact on the country and the communities that depend on these islands."
Oman Sail’s Acting Commercial Director, Khamis Al Anbouri, emphasized the critical role that Oman Sail and SeaOman play in protecting the Dimaniyat Island reefs. Their expertise is essential in restoring this vital area of national importance. As passionate advocates for ocean conservation, they urge everyone in the nation to take action in keeping our coastlines clean, not just on World Ocean Day, but every day.
Oman boasts a coastline that stretches around 3,165 kilometres (1,967 miles), more than twice the distance between Muscat and Salalah. This extensive coastline exposes the nation's marine wildlife to significant risks from climate change, such as rising sea levels, warmer water temperatures, and disruptions to food chains, which can have devastating impacts on global marine ecosystems.
The Dimaniyat Islands, Oman's inaugural marine nature reserve, are renowned for their well-developed coral reefs. These islands are home to over 100 species of coral fish, 579 species of reef fish, and various endangered marine species like turtles, whales, sharks, and dolphins, which migrate to the islands annually to breed and nest in the warm waters.
Due to its rich marine biodiversity, the Dimaniyat Islands have become a popular destination for both local and international divers and snorkelers, attracted by the numerous dive sites in the area.
As a result, the Dimaniyat Islands play a crucial role in Oman's ecotourism sector, contributing significantly to the national economy. They are also a key component of the National Strategy for Fisheries 2040 and play a vital role in maintaining environmental sustainability in alignment with Oman's Vision 2040.
