EAD and volunteers clean Mina port of marine litter

The one-day event was attended by a large numbers of volunteers who participated in the campaign including students, fishermen, Government and Private sector employees and members of social centers.

The clean-up began at 9 a.m. and continued till 11 a.m., where the area was cleared from marine debris and litter which otherwise would have ended in the sea harming the UAE's fragile biodiversity and affecting swimmers and fishermen's livelihoods. All participants were given a brief before to the start of the Clean-up, where gloves, bags and water were also distributed.

The campaign was organized in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Abu Dhabi Terminals and Abu Dhabi Educational Zone. The Abu Dhabi Municipality has also provided logistical support to compile the debris which weighted 1,131 kg. This debris included 495 kilograms of plastic, 233 kg of waste paper, 89 kg of glass, 10 kg of wood waste, 155 kg of metals and cans, and 149 other wastes.

Also contributed to the success of this campaign was the Abu Dhabi Fishermen Society as they provided boats used to clean up the sea from floating waste. They also contributed in creating awareness among the fishermen about marine debris.

A number of brochures and posters containing general information on marine debris were also distributed to increase participants' awareness on how a careless act can negatively impact endangered marine life.