A group of 29 divers from Oman Sail, in collaboration with volunteers from Omantel, recently concluded an underwater reef clean-up project at the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve to commemorate World Ocean Day. Omantel, in partnership with Oman Sail and the Environment Authority, supported this initiative to promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the oceans and minimizing negative human impact on marine ecosystems.
Renowned Omani champion diver, Omar Al Ghailani, who previously held the world record for the deepest free dive, actively participated in the project, utilizing his extensive experience to locate discarded items that were hidden from view.
This year's World Ocean Day, observed on 8 June, focuses on the theme of 'Catalysing Action for Our Ocean & Climate'. In line with this theme, the team of divers not only cleaned the underwater 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.
Regrettably, coral reefs have suffered damage due to the presence of discarded and lost fishing gear, disrupting the natural patterns of various species and posing a threat to the overall health of marine life. Plastic ingestion and entanglement in fishing nets have particularly affected fish, turtles, and birds in the oceans.
Saba Said Al Busaidi, the Corporate Affairs Senior Manager at Omantel, emphasized the significance of raising awareness about marine conservation. Omantel recognizes the vital role played by the oceans, as their submarine cables connect over 120 cities worldwide. Oman's rich biodiversity must be preserved and nurtured, and supporting initiatives like this is a great honor. It is hoped that this endeavor will inspire visitors to the reefs to be more conscious of their impact on the country and the communities that depend on the islands.
Khamis Al Anbouri, Acting Commercial Director of Oman Sail, emphasized the importance of protecting the Dimaniyat Island reefs. Oman Sail and SeaOman are uniquely positioned to witness the impact firsthand and are committed to restoring this national treasure. As advocates for ocean conservation, they urge everyone to join in efforts to keep coastlines clean not just on World Ocean Day, but every day.
With a coastline stretching around 3,165 kilometers (1,967 miles), Oman faces a significant challenge in safeguarding its marine wildlife from the impacts of climate change. The country's extensive coastal area, which is more than twice the distance between Muscat and Salalah, is highly susceptible to rising sea levels, elevated water temperatures, and disturbances in food chains. These factors pose a grave threat to marine ecosystems worldwide.
