Oman Celebrates World Oceans Day with Emphasis on Ocean and Climate Action

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Environment Authority, joined the global celebration of World Oceans Day on June 8, under the theme “Stimulating Action for Our Ocean and Climate.” This annual event highlights the crucial role of oceans in the health of our planet and future, emphasizing the need for strengthened global efforts to protect them from threats such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

This year’s celebration aimed to raise public awareness about the impact of human actions on the oceans, foster global initiatives for ocean conservation, and unite the global population in sustainable ocean management efforts.

The Environment Authority has been actively developing programs to protect Oman’s marine environment. One such initiative is the annual project to monitor pollutants in the marine environment. This project involves selecting stations along the coastal strip from Musandam Governorate to Dhofar Governorate, where water and sediment samples are collected to measure levels of heavy metals and hydrocarbons. The results help evaluate the extent of marine pollution, especially in sensitive areas such as industrial ports.

Several projects have been undertaken to safeguard natural resources in the marine environment. Notably, a project in partnership with international organizations is studying the success rate of Al-Rimani turtle nests on the beaches of Masirah Island. This project aims to identify critical nesting sites, determine factors affecting nesting success, and develop spatial planning and beach use control measures to ensure optimal use and management of environmental resources.

Another significant project involves tracking the Arabian Sea humpback whale, a unique species threatened with extinction. This initiative seeks to understand the whale’s behavior and migration patterns to aid in its conservation.

The Environment Authority is also focused on enacting laws and regulations to protect the marine environment. Through the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law and the Natural Reserves Law, the Authority ensures that companies comply with regulations for discharging liquid waste into the marine environment.

These comprehensive efforts reflect Oman’s commitment to preserving its marine ecosystems and contributing to global ocean conservation initiatives.