Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi's pioneering efforts in marine conservation and the resulting historic milestones were highlighted on World Oceans Day, observed annually on June 8.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 14: Life Below Water, noted that environmental protection and economic development are advancing hand in hand in the Emirate.
"At EAD, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of our Board, economic ambition and ecological integrity are designed to advance together," Dr Al Dhaheri said.
From Khalifa Port to desalination facilities, all coastal and marine developments operate under rigorous environmental impact assessments, advanced spatial planning and a robust permitting framework, she said.
"Our Sustainable Fishing Index reached 100% by the end of 2025, up from 8.9% in 2018, a milestone that directly enabled the launch of the 'Hamdan bin Zayed: The World's Richest Seas' initiative, which targets doubling fish stocks by 2030," Dr Al Dhaheri said.
Historic Milestones
Elaborating on the progress being made in Abu Dhabi's marine conservation efforts, Dr Al Dhaheri drew attention to the the network of designated protected areas that safeguards habitats.
She explained that EAD's coral rehabilitation programme, the largest in the region, has outplanted over 1.8 million coral fragments since 2021, with a target of 4 million colonies by 2030.
Additionally, the "Hamdan bin Zayed: The World's Richest Seas" initiative, which aims to position Abu Dhabi among the highest fish stock densities globally by 2030, has to date deployed 10,514 artificial reef modules, with a goal of 40,000 in the near term, thereby driving marine productivity and supporting the recovery of fish stocks across the emirate's waters.
Furthermore, through the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, more than 51.5 million saplings and seedlings have been planted, using both traditional methods and drone planting, restoring critical blue carbon habitats across the emirate.
Dugong populations have also grown 20% to 3,500, while sea turtle populations have increased by 30% to reach 8,000 over the last decade.
Meanwhile, 18 Blue Flag certified beaches and 100% microbial compliance in coastal waters reflect EAD's commitment to maintaining healthy and accessible coastal environments for residents and visitors alike.
Real-time, Predictive Conservation
Highlighting the increasing role of science and technology in conservation efforts, Dr Al Dhaheri noted that EAD has moved "from reactive monitoring to real-time, predictive conservation", supported by the research vessel Jaywun, the region's most advanced mobile marine laboratory.
The vessel has conducted 26 scientific surveys covering over 50,326 kilometres and collecting 4,612 water samples, helping generate data that informs conservation policy.
Other methods such as drone-based mapping guide precision mangrove planting, while environmental DNA analysis detects species presence from water samples alone. Furthermore, fish AI enables real-time species identification and catch analysis.
"By 2030, AI-enabled marine buoys will issue hourly coastal risk alerts, strengthening our ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing marine conditions," Dr Al Dhaheri added.
A Global Reference Point
Dr Al Dhaheri stressed that healthy marine ecosystems are Abu Dhabi's most effective nature-based solution for climate change.
Mangrove forests and seagrass meadows help capture carbon, protect coastlines, support marine life, and contribute to the UAE's climate goals.
"Biologically, they provide essential nursery grounds for marine life and protect the world's second-largest dugong population," she said.
According to Dr Al Dhaheri, the Arabian Gulf's corals offer a unique example of climate resilience, surviving some of the region's highest sea temperatures.
"This positions Abu Dhabi not only as a custodian of its own waters but as a global reference point: a living laboratory whose science and conservation model can help the world understand how to protect marine habitats under a changing climate.
"Protecting these ecosystems, therefore, supports biodiversity, food security and the long-term well-being of coastal communities across the region."
Spurring Action on Ocean Sustainability
Detailing the next priorities for marine conservation in Abu Dhabi, Dr Al Dhaheri pointed to scaling the "Hamdan bin Zayed: The World's Richest Seas" initiative to achieve some of the highest fish stock densities globally by 2030.
She also noted that EAD is on track to expand marine protected areas within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Area Network to cover 20% of the emirate's waters, while the coral rehabilitation programme targets 4 million colonies. The agency is also advancing AI-monitored sustainable aquaculture to strengthen food security.
"Through my role as Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 14: Life Below Water, and through our IUCN Framework Partnership, the first of its kind in West Asia, Abu Dhabi's conservation model will continue to contribute to international dialogue and action on ocean sustainability," Dr Al Dhaheri said.
Sharing her thoughts on World Oceans Day's, she emphasised that the results of science-based conservation are already visible and that the true measure of this work will be written by future generations.
"Every species we protect is a promise we are keeping on their behalf. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, EAD will continue to lead with resolve, because this generation has a responsibility to hand over oceans that are healthier, richer and more resilient than the ones we inherited."
