ABU DHABI, 7 Nov, 05 (WAM) - The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi(EAD) in coordination with ESNAAD, wholly- owned subsidiary ofADNOC, and the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) willcontinue their efforts to clear Mussafah Industrial area shorelineof as much debris as possible in November.

This campaign is part of the Abu Dhabi Coastal Clean-up project.

Comprehensive awareness and education campaigns covering a widespectrum of the population are being undertaken throughout thisproject, according to a press release.

Agency officials state that it is expected to take 6 monthsto cover 1,500 meters of Mussafah Industrial Area shore line,as a rapid assessment of the situation suggested that the situationoff Mussafah represents the worst case in terms of the amountof waste found compared to the Abu Dhabi Free Port and the AlBateen Fishing Port, probably reflecting the lack of awarenessin the past years on the part of the companies operating fromMussafah. Synoptic dives off the Mussafah Industrial Area werealso undertaken to film the debris lurking underwater, whichrevealed significant amounts of waste.

The seabed and shoreline of the eastern corner of Mussafah Industrialarea was already the focus of clean-up efforts from 17th Septemberto 2nd October 2005. Apart from the Environment Agency, participantsincluded Emirates Marine Environmental Group, Abu Dhabi Municipality,Abu Dhabi Marine Police and the Sea Port Authority-Abu Dhabi.

Divers covered approximately 300 metres of shoreline and theamount of debris collected was around fifty tons and constitutedmostly of steel barrels, truck tires used by tug boats, ropes,massive pipes and other items.

Previously, phase one and two of the Clean-up focused on thecoastline and nearshore waters off Abu Dhabi Corniche from Hiltoniato the free port fish market. About 30 tons of debris were collectedwhich included plastics materials, water bottles, polythene bags,ropes, containers, boxes, vegetables, fruits, dead birds, fishbones, materials made of fiberglass (mainly boats) and materialsmade of wood, wooden sticks and bamboo pieces.

During the clean-up of the Bateen Fishing Port and the areasaround the port, a wide array of debris was collected, whichincluded fishing boats, steel and wooden panels, fiberglass tanks,and glass bottles, safety boxes made of steel, nylon bags, boatengines and tyres.

Part of the campaign's message to the public is that marinedebris is not just a problem for the Government to solve. Thecommunity plays a large role in keeping the UAE's seas safe andclean.