DAMMAM – Industrial waste is threatening the natural coral reefs in the Arabian Sea near Qatif, Eastern Province, according to the local daily Al-Riyadh. In response, a hashtag called “Industrialwastethreateningmarinelife” in support of wpreserving the environment and providing solutions to help was created on Twitter. “The natural coral reefs are threatened with extinction because the maritime environment is being polluted with industrial waste and garbage, which are also endangering fish," said Ali Al-Dibaisi, a senior diving trainer. The main problem, according to Al-Dibaisi, is that fishermen use fishing methods, which are adversely affecting the vital coral reefs in some sea areas of the Eastern Province. He said the random anchoring of fishing boats, fishing nets eroding the area and leaving iron nets deep in the sea for a long time are all factors jeopardizing the natural coral reefs. Al-Dibaisi said a diving team of 13 men from the Diving Stars Center in Qatif have planted artificial coral reefs near the Half Moon shore as a first step toward creating a suitable environment for the fish to multiply. He also said more similar steps would be taken in the near future to preserve the fish and protect the natural coral reefs and the seashores. "The coral reefs are sea gardens that are a pleasure to look at," he added. Al-Dibaisi said the coral reefs could be used to manufacture various medicines for the treatment of several diseases. He called for more voluntary efforts to preserve the wealth of natural coral reefs and fish for future generations. A few years ago, Jeddah Municipality launched a new department under the name Friends of Jeddah, which aims to support all types of volunteer work that concerns the development of the city. This includes volunteering campaigns to clean the Red Sea. However, there is still a lack of awareness among fishermen, the public and companies. The hashtag included people who said industrial waste was a threat to the maritime natural cycle. “Small creatures called ‘marine growth' is what fish feed on; destroying where they live or throwing toxic waste around them is a disaster,” said one man. Another man criticized the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment: “What do they do exactly, what is their role?” Other people suggested that the Kingdom should follow advanced countries' methods in getting rid of industrial waste and apply it here.
