Kuwait’s Al-Mabarah Environmental Voluntary Foundation has prepared 35 marine moorings around Kubbar Island as part of ongoing efforts to protect coral reefs, reduce damage caused by boat anchoring and preserve the country’s marine environment.
Waleed Al-Shatti, the foundation’s marine operations officer, said the initiative forms part of a wider project to install and maintain environmentally friendly moorings around Kuwait’s southern islands and key coral reef sites. He explained that the moorings provide boat and yacht owners with safe, convenient docking points, reducing the need to drop traditional anchors that can break or damage fragile coral formations.
They also help prevent fishing nets, debris and other objects from damaging sensitive marine habitats. The moorings additionally help identify safe boundaries around shallow waters, guiding visitors away from areas where vessels could run aground or collide with underwater features.
Al-Shatti said the project required substantial effort and year-round monitoring to ensure the moorings remained effective and safe under changing marine and weather conditions. Launched in 1997, the initiative has developed over the years, with a total of 130 moorings now installed across marine locations with high concentrations of coral reefs.
The system has been designed to provide durability and safety even in challenging climatic conditions. He added that the project had contributed to rehabilitating marine landing sites, with the foundation’s experience documented and shared through documentaries, photographs and informational materials.
Al-Shatti commended the efforts of the General Directorate of Coast Guard, the Environment Public Authority and the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources in enforcing regulations aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and maintaining maritime safety. He also praised boaters and other sea users who comply with environmental protection measures, acknowledging the support of organisations and individuals contributing to the initiative.
Protecting Kubbar Island’s fragile ecosystem
Located approximately 30 kilometres off the coast of Al-Zour, Kubbar Island is one of Kuwait’s notable natural attractions. It covers around 140,000 square metres and measures approximately 370 metres long and 300 metres wide. The island is known for its clear waters, sandy beaches and surrounding coral reefs, which extend across depths ranging from two to 20 metres. It also provides habitat for rare migratory birds.
Al-Shatti stressed that Kubbar Island and its wildlife are protected, with activities that damage or disturb its natural features prohibited. The foundation has undertaken several environmental operations to safeguard the island, including removing fishing nets trapped in coral reefs, recovering sunken boats and yachts, clearing waste and installing marine moorings to provide designated docking points.
These measures aim to reduce avoidable damage to coral formations and preserve the island’s marine biodiversity for future generations.
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