Muscat – To safeguard Oman’s marine environment, Quriyat Divers removed a total of 1,630kg of abandoned fishing nets and marine debris during eight voluntary clean-up campaigns conducted across coastal sites in Muscat governorate in 2025, highlighting the group’s continued commitment to marine conservation.
The latest campaign resulted in the removal of 250kg of marine waste from the waters off Quriyat, adding to the team’s growing environmental record since its establishment in January 2019.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Juma Khamis al Amri, Head of Quriyat Divers, said the initiative was conducted after team members found abandoned fishing nets entangled at a depth of 30m, posing a serious threat to marine life. Following discussions with the team’s management and a comprehensive risk assessment of the site and diving conditions, an urgent clean-up operation was scheduled and carried out on December 10 in the Al Hadab area of Quriyat.
Amri informed that diving at depths of 30m is classified as deep diving, requiring strict safety protocols and specialised qualifications. Only divers holding Advanced Diver certifications were permitted to participate, and all involved members possessed the experience and technical competence needed for such a demanding operation. “Safety remained our top priority throughout the mission,” he said.
The campaign was carried out as a voluntary initiative, with team members covering all logistical requirements, including a boat, fuel, diving equipment, lifting tools and provisions. The team departed from Quriyat Fishing Port at 10am, and upon reaching the site, divers prepared their equipment and secured two spare air cylinders at a depth of 5m to be used if extended safety stops were required.
After descending to 30m, the divers began freeing and lifting the abandoned nets, while also rescuing several trapped marine organisms. Most of the rescued species were large sea snails locally known as ‘al jam’ (Chicoreus ramosus). The operation was completed in 15 minutes, reflecting the team’s high level of coordination and experience.
Once the nets were brought to the surface and secured on board, the divers observed an adequate rest period before conducting a second dive at a nearby site, where additional debris was removed, including old ropes, anchors and discarded fishing equipment.
The team returned to Quriyat Fishing Port at 3pm, carrying a total of 250kg of marine waste. Amri added that since its establishment, Quriyat Divers has carried out 47 voluntary initiatives, removing more than 20 tonnes of marine waste from Oman’s coastal waters.
He reaffirmed the team’s commitment to continuing its environmental efforts in cooperation with local communities and relevant authorities to protect marine ecosystems and ensure cleaner and safer coastlines.
