Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is driving sustainable aquaculture through its innovative sea cage project by increasing local seafood production while solving the problems of climate change and overfishing.
The first sea cage aquaculture project in Abu Dhabi is situated southeast of Delma Island, Al Dhafra Region, and aims to comply with the sustainability policy set for aquaculture in the region.
The project focuses on culturing local fish species using floating cages, developing environmental protocols for sustainability, and addressing climate change while supporting food security.
"The project consists of six floating sea cages, capable of producing 100 tonnes of fish annually. Targeted fish species will include various local high-value species such as Gabit, Safi, Hamour and Sheri, whereby 122,000 Gabit fish were released, and in the near future, 168,000 Safi, 90,000 Sheri and 40,000 Hamour fish will also be released," EAD told Aletihad.
The project aims to counter the problems arising from the over-exploitation of wild fisheries, coupled with the effects of climate change on sustainable aquaculture.
And it supports the UAE in its long-term food security vision, reducing the pressure on natural fish stocks due to increased seafood consumption.
"The project aligns with Abu Dhabi's sustainable aquaculture policy and the UAE government's vision, contributing to economic and environmental benefits. It aims to enhance local seafood production, support biodiversity conservation, and encourage enough investments in the sector," EAD said.
The project aims to develop environmental protocols for sustainable sea-based aquaculture in the UAE and the region, while adhering to marine water quality parameters, and the implementation of hydrodynamic and environmental modeling.
EAD explained how AI systems, underwater cameras and sensors monitor fish health and growth.
"AI-powered systems utilise environmental sensors to monitor water quality (e.g. temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and ammonia) and underwater cameras to track fish behaviour and estimate fish weight. This data ensures optimal conditions for fish health and growth."
EAD explained how AI systems boost farming efficiency by providing real-time data and predictive insights on fish health and weight, while also reducing human error and the need for manual monitoring.
EAD said that solar-powered data transmission enhanced sustainability, particularly in remote locations like Delma Island.
"Solar-powered data transmission supports sustainability by providing a renewable energy solution for remote monitoring systems, ensuring continuous data collection and efficient management in locations like Delma Island."
EAD conducted hydrodynamic and environmental modelling to ensure sustainable fish biomass levels and environmental protection in sea cage farming, focusing on water quality and local ecosystems.
Delma Island was chosen, based on hydrodynamic and environmental modelling.
"The modelling determined sustainable aquaculture development zones by assessing biomass capacity, water quality and environmental sustainability. This ensured Delma Island's suitability as a location with minimal environmental impact," EAD added.
The project reduces pressure on wild fish stocks by providing a sustainable seafood source, supports global sustainable fishing efforts, and meets Abu Dhabi's growing demand for seafood.
