By: AGBI

Oman has launched a major clean-up operation after oil from vessels stranded by the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz washed onto popular beaches, threatening marine life, fishing and tourism.

Dead fish can be seen floating in the water, and beaches have been polluted near towns in Musandam, a peninsula that separates Oman and the UAE.

Local fishermen in towns such as Khasab and Bukha have felt the brunt. “The spillage kills the fish, pollutes the beaches and clogs up the engines of our boats, as well as destroying the fishing nets,” said Mohammed Al Sarooji, a fisherman in Khasab.

The oil spills are also disrupting tourism operators who send customers to the beaches for weekend camping.

“We had to cancel bookings for beach camping because the sands are full of oil. The water is also dirty and no one can swim there,” said Mahmood Al Mahrooqi, a tour operator.

The cleanup drive has been initiated by the state-controlled Environment Authority (EA).

“The massive cleanup has started on the beaches; the oil spills are threatening to harm the environment in Musandam areas and local businesses,” Taimur Al Said, acting director of biodiversity at EA, told AGBI.

He said the spills are killing turtles and birds, damaging coral and causing serious long-term environmental harm.

Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel started attacks on February 28. The closure has left many oil vessels stranded for months near the narrow waterway.