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       KUWAIT CITY, Oct 27: Environmental activists have raised alarm over East Asian gangs collecting seashells and snails from various Kuwait coastal areas such as Anjafa, Al Bidda, Fintas and Al Jon near the Asherij area. These gangs are professional in stealing, they export them to restaurants.

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       The collection of seashells and snails generally take place in the evenings. These snails play a pivotal ecological role as it is considered food for many marine species, reports Al Rai. The Environmental Public Authority has warned against collecting oysters and snails as a violation which harms the ecological system of marine life. Kuwaiti citizens and expats have been warned any violation against this act will be fined up to KD 250.

       Director of Public Relations and Environmental Media, Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, stated that “Collecting seashells and snails from the beaches of Kuwait is an environmental violation of Article 100 of the Environmental Protection Law which stipulates that it is prohibited to kill, hunt, catch, collect, harm or possess or transfer of wild and marine organisms, whether live or dead, or affecting the young, eggs, nests or habitats of these organisms. The penalty for collecting shellfish or snails is up to 250 dinars,” Al-Ibrahim appealed to all Kuwaiti citizens and expats to abide by environmental law and protect marine and wild environments from destruction.”

       Environmental activist Dr. Fanis Al-Ajmi stated that “The environmental protection law prohibits collecting snails or seashells, it is regrettable that they are overfished in large quantities either for food or trade especially in the evening period. This is not permissible and we must act before snails and oysters disappear from our shores. Land and sea suffers hence we need to take strict action and impose hefty fines against these violations to preserve our environment”

       Environmental expert Dr. Muhammad Al-Sayegh stated that “Sea snails are considered one of the most important types of snails compared to river snails and snails that live in forests, swamps and deserts. There are more than 50,000 species of marine snails on the globe, of which there are quite a lot in Kuwait. Many people in Kuwait and the world practice the hobby of collecting shells and snails, either for entertainment or eating, and many people do not know the importance of these snails and shells, which play a pivotal environmental role.”

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