Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In line with the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Aquaculture Policy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently launched the Middle East's first freshwater pearl oyster farming project in Al Faya.
The facility features 10 units, capable of producing up to 10,000 oysters annually, and has already cultured 8,500 freshwater oysters.
Speaking to Aletihad, a representative from EAD explained the project's alignment with Abu Dhabi's broader sustainability goals: "In 2019, EAD launched the sustainable aquaculture policy of Abu Dhabi, which sets an ambitious vision for the aquaculture sector in the emirate. The policy also addresses six actions to sustainably advance the aquaculture sector within the emirate. One of which is to encourage research and innovation in the field of aquaculture. Therefore, the establishment of the Freshwater Pearl Oyster Centre contributes towards fulfilling this action item of the policy."
In response to comparisons with similar global projects, the spokesperson stressed their innovative approach, saying: "This project combines innovation and sustainability in freshwater pearl farming. The pearl oysters are cultured in a fully controlled indoor freshwater system that allows complete control over the environmental parameters, including temperature and turbidity. These methods reduce ecological pressure, enable year-round production, and ensure consistent quality."
Drawing attention to the facility's sustainability practices, the project aims to achieve zero waste and emissions in an aquaculture facility by recycling waste materials, repurposing by-products, as well as utilising renewable energy sources.
The representative further elaborated on the cutting-edge research and development being conducted at the site.
"The Al Faya Freshwater Pearl Oyster Centre features 10 grow-out tanks where the oysters are cultured in hanging pocket nets, an oyster quarantine area where the incoming oysters are kept and monitored to ensure their health condition prior to transferring them to the culture units, a research laboratory to run biological and ecological studies as well as water quality analysis, staff offices for managerial works and a post-harvest unit where the extracted pearls undergo several stages, including cleaning, processing and grading."
The EAD official said that freshwater oysters are being cultured in a closed system for the first time in the region, requiring extensive research to develop successful protocols through various stages, from stocking and nuclei seeding to harvesting and pearl extraction.
On the environmental benefits of the project, the spokesperson said: "Reusing water from farming units for irrigation conserves freshwater and reduces wastewater discharge. The discharged water is used to irrigate native plant species. This practice also saves energy and supports sustainable agriculture."
In terms of community engagement and educational programmes, the centre also plans to engage local communities and raise environmental awareness.
"The Freshwater Pearl Oyster Centre is an extension of the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre at Al Mirfa. One key component is awareness and education, which aims to create an educational platform on sustainable oyster farming by organising visits for school and university students and participating in local and international events. In line with this, the centre at Al Faya aims to enhance environmental awareness by actively engaging local communities and developing educational programmes focused on sustainable aquaculture practices."
The Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI), a programme by EAD in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge, encourages youth to explore environmental issues, minimise ecological footprints, and promote sustainability.
The EAD representative also discussed how the project enhances Abu Dhabi's reputation as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture.
"Building on the extensive experience developed from the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre in Al Mirfa in 2007, where we successfully produced gem-quality pearls using local pearl oysters, we have now launched the Freshwater Pearl Oyster Centre at Al Faya. This initiative expands our capabilities to include freshwater species, such as freshwater oysters, including Chinese (Hyriopsis cumingii) and Indian (Lamellidens marginalis)."
The official added that the emirate is expanding its pearl production, enhancing its leadership in pearl culture, promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, as well as paving the way for the exploration of future oyster species.
