Campaign Removes Abandoned Nets from Coral Reefs of Al Fahal Island

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 16, 2026

Over 60 volunteers, organized by Oman's Environment Authority and partners, removed about three tonnes of abandoned fishing nets from the coral reefs around Al Fahal Island on July 16, 2026. This cleanup helps protect the island’s vital marine ecosystems, which support diverse shark species and other marine life, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to prevent ghost net pollution.

More than 60 volunteers participated in a cleanup campaign targeting abandoned fishing nets around the coral reefs of Al Fahal Island, Oman. Organised by the Environment Authority in collaboration with the Coast Guard, the Directorate-General of Civil Defence and Ambulance, and Divers Planet Diving Center, the initiative took place on July 16, 2026.

The drive, part of an annual programme led by the Environment Authority to safeguard marine ecosystems, focused on removing discarded nets and ropes that pose significant threats to coral reefs and marine life. “Earlier this year, we conducted cleanups in Qurayat. This time, we concentrated efforts at Al Fahal Island and Athaiba Reef, areas frequently impacted by ghost nets,” said Yahya al Hooti, Marine Environmental Specialist at the Environment Authority.

During the operation, volunteers completed two one-hour dives with a one-hour surface interval, starting at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 3 p.m. The team retrieved approximately three tonnes of fishing nets and ropes, including two large nets from Al Fahal Island and one from Athaiba Reef.

Al Hooti emphasized the environmental damage caused by abandoned fishing gear, noting that ghost nets not only harm fish populations but also endanger turtles and coral reefs. He urged fishermen to avoid leaving nets near protected marine areas and called on policymakers to implement stronger regulations to prevent such practices.

Al Fahal Island, also known as Shark Island, is located about four kilometers off Al Qurum Beach and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The limestone outcrop supports diverse coral reef ecosystems and is home to various shark species, including blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, as well as occasional sightings of leopard and whale sharks. “Most shark species found here are not a threat to humans. They are vital to marine ecosystem balance, thriving in clean waters and preying on dead or weakened organisms,” Al Hooti explained.

The cleanup campaign underscored the ongoing challenges faced in protecting Oman’s marine habitats from pollution and habitat degradation caused by abandoned fishing equipment. Environmentalists have called for increased protection measures for Al Fahal Island, emphasizing its ecological importance as a key site for fishing and diving activities in the region.

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