Study highlights need to keep public beaches in Oman clean

Muscat: Beaches in Oman need to be cleaned regularly and dog owners need to pack their poo, according to a survey.
A vast majority of Omanis despise the accumulation of litter on the Sultanate’s public beaches, according to the study conducted by Sultan Qaboos University researchers.
A study conducted by researchers from the Center for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR) at the Sultan Qaboos University, shows that many nationals are irritated by the presence of litter and waste on public beaches.
The researchers collected 109 samples from people while focusing in Wilayat Suwaiq in North Al Batinah Governorate, where 57.4 were male respondents while 41.7 were females.
“The study was undertaken in Wilayat Al Suwaiq of North Al Batinah, since this area has witnessed increased anthropogenic pressures over the recent years,” explained the study.
“The main aim of studying beach users’ perceptions is to provide inputs for improving their recreational experience but also to address their concerns and sensitivity towards enhancing ecological functions of beach systems,” it added.
According to the data, 93 per cent of the respondents disliked bad smells, presence of dog or animal wastes and litter on public beaches, followed by 79.5 per cent who disliked the fact that there aren’t enough facilities in these areas.
“About 93 per cent of them responded with the opinion (of dislike) that most of the beaches in the area accumulated with litter and plastic waste,” said the study.

“Therefore, it is important to consider from the responses, there is need to develop beaches in the area in terms of cleaning and setting up improved facilities as part of beach management so that visitors can enjoy healthy and quality time during their visits,” the statement added.
5.7 per cent responded that dogs or any animal waste were also unattractive in public beaches including 4.5 per cent responded that bad smells emanating from other industries ruins their beach experience.
In terms of coastal erosion, 52.3 per cent considered beach protection towards coastal erosion is very important and 36 per cent of respondents opined that beach protection should be a priority.
“Coastal erosion occurs when waves and currents remove sand from the beach environment; such loss of sand affects the beach to become narrower and lower in elevation,” said the study.
“Well-maintained beaches are very particularly important because everyone will visit a beach during their pleasure time and beaches display the destination for enjoyment and recreation activities,” it added.
The most frequently visited beaches in Suwaiq is Al Khadra, Al Meena and Al Dhiyan beaches in Suwaiq.