IHAB AL RIFAI (AL DHAFRA)

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to identify suitable areas for offshore marine aquaculture in Al Sila in the Al Dhafra region, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s sustainable aquaculture policy.

Currently under construction, the sea-cage aquaculture project in Al Sila features 24 floating cages designed to promote sustainable farming of economically important local fish species, which are currently overexploited. This initiative follows the fish stock assessment studies conducted by EAD.

In recent months, EAD has identified 11 potential sites for marine cage aquaculture, with one site selected as the most suitable after thorough studies using advanced hydrodynamic modelling tools. The project is expected to yield an annual output of 720 tonnes, with a payback period of seven and a half years.

Sustainable Aquaculture Policy

EAD’s sustainable aquaculture policy aims to foster growth in the aquaculture sector, enhance its competitiveness, and alleviate pressure on overexploited local fisheries. This policy also supports food security and economic growth in the UAE by providing safe, high-quality seafood products through sustainable techniques that preserve biodiversity and protect marine ecosystems.

Fish Stock Monitoring

Since 2001, EAD has monitored fish stock status using two key sustainability indicators: the Sustainable Biomass Ratio, which determines the size of adult fish stocks for key demersal species relative to the biomass of underexploited fish, and the Sustainable Fishing Index, which describes the proportion of species being sustainably exploited from the total catch. EAD statistics revealed a significant improvement in fish stock status, with the Sustainable Exploitation Index rising from 8.9% in 2018 to 83.1% last year, surpassing the target of 75%.

Fisheries Data

Last year, the total catch in commercial fisheries amounted to 1,135 tonnes. EAD collected 49,502 samples from 15 fish species and conducted 360 analyses on age, growth patterns, and reproduction, focusing on key species such as Shaari fish, from the Lethrinidae family, the emperors and emperor breams.