RAS AL KHAIMAH // Abandoned fishing boats, old tyres, carpets and piles of plastic bags and cans were dragged from the sea floor as part of a clean-up operation across the emirate.
On Saturday, a team of 40 volunteers removed 13 tonnes of rubbish from at Khor Khwiar port. The clean-up was one of nine carried out across the emirate by Oxygen Environmental with the support of RAK Environment Protection and Development Authority, government departments, communities and divers.
In total, 300 tonnes of rubbish, including 20 old fishing boats, have been cleared from eight ports since November.
Volunteer Ahmad Al Harsh said he was shocked at the sheer amount of rubbish that had been dumped.
“I was really surprised with the huge amount of waste that came out of the water, damaged boats, tyres, fishing nets, all kinds of stuff. I joined the clean-up in five areas and invited one of my friends to join, too. It’s the responsibility of everyone and we should have more rules to protect the environment and the fish.”
Rihab Al Danhani, manager of the volunteer team, said that as well as old fishing boats, they found nets, cages, ropes, carpets and parts of boat engines.
“Most of the waste was related to fishermen and they should know that this will affect their catch and the marine life,” said Rihab Al Danhani. “Fishing nets and cages can harm the fish as they may release many dangerous chemicals, as do plastic bags, and carpets.
“Fishermen use carpet to protect their boats when they bump another, and when it’s old they throw it into the water same as the tyres and ropes.”
Ms Al Danhani said people should think about the environment before throwing rubbish away.
“We also collected huge amounts of waste, like metal cans, plastic and glass bottles and many more. It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment and the marine life, and we should think of ourselves and the coming generations. Awareness is very important.”
A 62-year-old fisherman who took part in one of the clean-ups said fines should be given to those who do not treat the environment with respect.
“I have never seen or imagined to find such amounts of rubbish coming out of the water. Fishermen should keep an eye on their workers and always instruct them, while the fishermen association should provide more awareness and waste management lectures to minimise the amount of damage that could affect the fish,” said Salah Al Shahi.
Khalifa Al Muhairi , manager of RAK Fishermen Association, said that there are many rules, regulations and fines to protect marine life.
“We organise many awareness campaigns and always remind the fishermen of the importance of preserving the environment and when we see any violation we issue a warning and inform the Environment Protection and Development Authority to take action if repeated.”
Oxygen Environmental has organised clean-up campaigns in Fujairah and RAK and will soon start in Umm Al Quwain. It aims to eventuially cover all of the emirates.
For more information about upcoming campaigns and how to volunteer, visit its Instagram page oxg.team.2016 or call 050 9779400.
rhaza@thenational.ae