Cefas scientists assist the Kuwait Government to protect their marine environment
Cefas is in a joint partnership with the Environment Public Authority of Kuwait (EPA) to assess and improve the environmental quality of Kuwait Bay. Prompted by recent fish kill events, the Kuwait government is funding this joint project, which will develop an integrated monitoring strategy to improve the water quality of Kuwait Bay and protect human health. Kuwait Bay is an important marine resource providing employment, recreation, food and wildlife habitats. For these resources to be available in the long-term the bay must be managed in a sustainable way, which is the overall aim of the project.
Cefas scientists have recently returned from the second phase of practical work in Kuwait where they:
- conducted a survey of organic enrichment in Kuwait Bay
- collected fish samples for disease diagnosis
- initiated a programme for toxicity monitoring in areas of concern, such as effluent outfalls for industrial discharges and sewage.
Cefas staff have been working closely with colleagues at the EPA to train them in the practical aspects of environmental monitoring required for this project and data analysis. On-the-job training in Kuwait and intensive courses, held at Cefas laboratories in the UK, were part of that package. The training will enable the EPA itself to implement a monitoring strategy for Kuwait Bay.
The visit was featured in the Kuwait Times (in Arabic, on 28 April; in English, on 29 April). Dr Michelle Devlin, the Cefas project leader, said during her interview, “This project will help everyone enjoy Kuwait’s waters for years to come.”
For more information on this project contact: s.millward@cefas.co.uk
