Latest news with #Al-Fadhel
Kuwait Times
10-07-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Dive Team calls for shark protection
By Passant Hisham KUWAIT: As sightings of sharks increase in Kuwait's waters during the summer months, the Kuwait Dive Team is calling for stronger awareness and protection efforts, warning that these misunderstood marine creatures face far greater danger from humans than the other way around. 'Sharks have earned a bad reputation since the 1970s because of how the media portrayed them,' Kuwait Dive Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel told Kuwait Times. 'Globally, there are over 400 shark species, but only one is truly dangerous to humans — the Great White Shark,' he added. 'In fact, most species found in Kuwaiti waters are harmless. In Kuwait's entire 300-year history, only two shark-related injuries have been recorded' Al-Fadhel explained that the rise in shark presence during summer is a natural phenomenon. Sharks are attracted to warm waters and are typically found in muddy areas up north, and to a lesser extent near coral reefs in the south, where they are generally small and non-aggressive. While the presence of sharks might alarm some beachgoers, Al-Fadhel stressed that humans pose the real threat. 'Studies show that 20 to 30 percent of the global shark population has been wiped out due to harmful human practices,' he told KUNA. Among the most damaging is shark finning — the practice of removing fins and discarding the body at sea. The fins are exported for use in what is considered the world's most expensive soup. Al-Fadhel noted that while some fishermen in Kuwait have engaged in this trade, commercial shark fishing is now banned in the country, as the sharks play important role in maintaining marine ecological balance. Al-Fadhel also urged the public not to feed sharks or other marine wildlife, as doing so alters their natural behavior and undermines their ecological role. 'Sharks help maintain balance in the marine environment by feeding on sick or injured fish,' he said. 'Feeding them changes their behavior, draws them closer to humans, and could increase the risk of unintended harm — both to the animal and the person.' To reduce the likelihood of encounters and promote coexistence, the Kuwait Dive Team recommended avoiding diving in muddy seabeds, where sharks are more likely to be found. They also advised spearfishers against tying their catch to their bodies, as the scent of blood can attract sharks. Al-Fadhel emphasized that the purpose of awareness campaigns is not to instill fear, but to foster respect for marine life and promote safer practices. The team, which operates under the Environmental Voluntary Foundation, has carried out multiple rescue operations across Kuwait's coast — including around Kubbar Island, where sharks have been found entangled in abandoned fishing nets. Al-Fadhel also noted that summer months bring a surge in jellyfish populations, particularly during June and July, sometimes leading to the temporary shutdown of desalination plants due to the overwhelming numbers. To manage their impact, nets and filters are installed at water intake sites. He described jellyfish as ancient marine organisms that migrate annually to Kuwaiti waters depending on currents and wind patterns. While the species found locally are not deadly, they can cause mild stings. Al-Fadhel recommended wearing full-body diving suits for protection and avoiding swimming in areas where jellyfish are concentrated. Like sharks, he added, jellyfish also play a vital ecological role as a food source for other marine species.
Arab Times
09-07-2025
- Arab Times
Shark and jellyfish sightings surge in Kuwaiti waters during summer
KUWAIT CITY, July 9: Sharks and jellyfish are among the most frequently observed marine creatures in Kuwaiti waters during the summer months, largely due to rising sea temperatures, according to the Kuwait Diving Team. Waleed Al-Fadhel, head of the team and a member of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), told KUNA that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the marine ecological balance and contribute to cleaning the underwater environment. He clarified that while many people fear sharks, the species found in Kuwait—primarily in the muddy northern areas and coral reef zones in the south—are generally not dangerous. The great white shark, often viewed as the most threatening, is not found in Kuwaiti waters. Al-Fadhel emphasized that a number of shark species are facing the risk of extinction, citing studies that show around 20 to 30 percent have perished due to harmful human activities and environmental violations. He stressed the team's commitment to marine conservation, noting multiple rescue operations involving sharks trapped in abandoned fishing nets, particularly around Kubbar Island and various parts of Kuwaiti waters. Speaking about jellyfish, known locally as dol, Al-Fadhel stated that their presence peaks in June and July. Though their stings can cause pain, the species in Kuwait are not fatal. However, their large numbers have been known to disrupt operations at desalination plants, prompting the installation of nets and filters to mitigate their impact. He described jellyfish as ancient marine inhabitants whose seasonal arrival is influenced by water currents and wind patterns. In addition to being part of the ecological balance, they serve as a vital food source for sea turtles. Al-Fadhel advised beachgoers and swimmers to wear full protective swimwear to minimize the risk of stings and to avoid swimming in areas known to be heavily populated by jellyfish.
Daily Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain seeks Mediterranean pact to fight Terror Money
TDT | Manama Bahrain's Shura Council has taken the lead in pushing for a unified parliamentary framework to fight terrorism financing across the Mediterranean region, with Second Deputy Chairperson Dr. Jihad Al-Fadhel urging the adoption of a common legislative charter. The call came during the 7th meeting of the Parliamentary Coordination Mechanism on Counter-Terrorism, hosted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), held via video conference on Friday. Dr. Al-Fadhel emphasised that confronting terrorism demands more than military or executive action. She called for a shared legal system among parliaments to strengthen oversight, protect communities, and clamp down on the financial networks that support extremist acts. 'Security cannot be achieved without true international solidarity and unified political will,' she said. Bahrain's stance also brought digital threats into focus, with Al-Fadhel highlighting the urgent need to police cyberterrorism and cross-border digital attacks. Shura Council member Leena Habib Kassim also joined the session, which included firm condemnations of recent escalations in the region. Delegates called for peaceful resolutions and stressed the need for future joint legislative initiatives. The session concluded with plans to enhance Mediterranean parliamentary coordination through the second half of 2025.
Arab Times
31-05-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Kuwait Expert Warns Against Shark Hysteria
KUWAIT CITY, May 31: Kuwaiti Diving Team Head Waleed Al-Fadhel has dispelled the fear of the presence of a large number of sharks in Bneider coastal area, while warning about the dangers of overfishing, considering them threatened by extinction. Al-Fadhel stated that 'some fishermen catch these creatures for their fins, which are used in making the world's most expensive soup.' He explained that 'sharks are not alien to our marine environment, as they are rather an integral part of the ecological balance,' calling for dealing with them with scientific awareness and responsibility. He added, 'Sharks contribute to cleaning the sea of dead fish and carcasses and are considered natural sea scavengers. They are not found in the sea for nothing, because they play a vital environmental role.' He pointed out that 'the presence of sharks in Kuwaiti waters is not new, especially in Bneider coastal area -- one of the most prominent marine sites for divers and those interested in marine life. Photos and video clips confirmed the increased activity of sharks in that area, which requires a reconsideration of the way we deal with these creatures.' He said 'studies have proven that sharks are not limited to distant oceans; such as Australia and America, as they have a natural presence in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, with frequent sightings in Kuwaiti waters.' He called for adopting a scientific and environmental approach to understand the nature and behavior of sharks, and to avoid media hype. He clarified that 'sharks are a balanced ecological entity. Scaring people without relying on scientific facts serves no one.' He asserted that 'Kuwait's history has witnessed only a very limited number of shark incidents and most of them were not dangerous; except the danger posed by the white shark, known for its elongated tail.' He believes that the appearance of large sharks could be a sign of the recovery of the Kuwaiti marine environment.
Arab Times
06-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait Diving Team secures coral reefs with 107 new moorings
KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Kuwait Diving Team, affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), has successfully completed the maintenance of marine moorings on Qaruh Island. This initiative is part of an ongoing, comprehensive project aimed at maintaining marine moorings around coral reef sites to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems. Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel told KUNA on Tuesday that the team had initiated the periodic maintenance project for marine moorings at coral reef sites along Kuwait's southern islands and coasts. The maintenance work on Qaruh Island has now been completed, with a total of 22 moorings installed around the island. In total, the team has completed the installation of 107 moorings across various Kuwaiti islands and coasts. These moorings are designed with high specifications and durability to accommodate different sizes of boats and yachts. Al-Fadhel noted that many seafarers have taken the initiative to use these moorings, as they are strategically placed around the southern islands and coral reefs to meet both aesthetic and environmental requirements. He emphasized that these moorings serve a crucial purpose by marking coral reef locations, which pose a risk to boats, particularly during low tides. As the first line of defense, the moorings protect the reefs from potential damage caused by improper human practices. Al-Fadhel also highlighted the importance of Kuwait's coral reefs, which are found around the southern coral islands and some coasts. These reefs serve as a sanctuary for marine creatures and fish and provide significant health and economic benefits. Many coastal nations rely on coral reefs for their economic well-being. The team, which includes skilled divers and an integrated maintenance workshop, works diligently to ensure that the project is completed efficiently. They also have boats specifically designated for this environmental initiative. Al-Fadhel described Qaruh as one of Kuwait's most beautiful islands, characterized by its clear waters and dense, diverse coral, including species such as the Arabian branch, giant mass humpback, and table branch. The island also hosts a variety of fish and attracts turtles for egg-laying. He urged fishermen not to fish too close to coral reefs using nets, as this can harm marine life, damage the reefs, and pose a threat to maritime navigation. Such actions also violate environmental laws, he stressed.
