Kuwait Dive Team races to save endangered sea turtles from plastic waste
The Kuwait Dive Team is working to protect sea turtles in Kuwaiti waters. Their efforts include rescue operations, beach clean-ups, and public awareness campaigns. With World Turtle Day observed on May 23, their mission has gained extra attention this month. The team focuses on removing plastic waste, which poses the greatest threat to sea turtles. On islands like Qaruh and Umm Al Maradim, they regularly clean beaches to prevent harm to marine life. Plastic ingestion and entanglement in fishing nets often lead to injury or death for these animals.
They also treat turtles injured by boat collisions or plastic consumption before releasing them back into the wild. Over time, the group has completed dozens of successful rescues. To speed up response times, they urge the public to report any turtles in distress immediately.
Beyond rescues, the team collaborates with government agencies and volunteer groups to enforce environmental laws. Their work aims to maintain ecological balance while raising awareness among citizens, fishermen, and sea-goers. A key message is simple: avoid dumping waste or fishing gear into the sea. The Kuwait Dive Team’s ongoing efforts help reduce threats to sea turtles. By combining clean-ups, medical care, and public outreach, they address both immediate dangers and long-term conservation. Their call for community involvement remains central to protecting these vulnerable species.