UAE: Artificial reefs installed in 3 emirates to boost fish stocks, food security

The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has installed artificial reefs in three emirates, as part of continuing efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and protect the marine environment in the country.

“Through these efforts, we aim to promote the fishing industry and protect fish stocks as one of the most important resources in the country's marine environment," said Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MoCCAE.

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Artificial reefs offer a strategic solution to boost fish stocks, support sustainable fisheries, enhance national food security, and revitalise marine biodiversity. They support the fishing industry by creating accessible fishing grounds.

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The Ministry recently carried out the installation in Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah in collaboration with the local authorities in each emirate, it said in a statement.

"This step constitutes an additional support to the success of the 'Artificial Caves Programme' and rebuild fish stocks in the UAE’s waters," added Al Shehhi.

Launched in 2016, the Artificial Caves Programme is a strategic initiative by the MoCCAE. The programme primarily enhances national fish stocks by creating artificial habitats and nurseries, providing safe breeding and growth environments for young fish, thereby boosting marine biodiversity.

The initiative is part of MoCCAE's ongoing efforts to address climate change impacts on coastal and marine environments.

Dubai has also turned to large-scale reef structures through the DUBAI REEF initiative, aiming at enhancing biodiversity and protecting local ecosystems as marine life around the world faces a steep decline.

Ahead of the launch, an initial proof-of-concept study started in 2021 to test the impact of purpose-built reef structures in the deployment location across Dubai’s waters. Over three years, the study showed notable increases in marine biodiversity and fish populations across 15 native species, including snappers, orange-spotted grouper, and pickhandle barracuda.

In May, the Capital, Abu Dhabi, has launched the largest coral garden initiative in the Middle East.

The 'Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens' project, set to run from 2025 to 2030, aims to create vibrant coral gardens by installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals across 1,200sqkm of the emirate's coastal and deep waters.

A two-year study between 2021 and 2023 saw 40 reef modules placed in UAE waters. The results were encouraging: 17 species of invertebrates, including barnacles, bivalves, and sponges, were recorded, along with a noticeable increase in 15 fish species.

Yasmin Hussein

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yasminabdel@khaleejtimes.com

Yasmin Hussein is an Assistant Digital Editor who believes that every news story carries a human element. Her motto is 'get it first, but first get it right'.