Thursday, February 5, 2026
22.1 C
New Delhi

UAE: Abu Dhabi launches ‘World’s Richest Seas’ initiative to increase fish density by 2030

UAE: Abu Dhabi launches ‘World’s Richest Seas’ initiative to increase fish density by 2030

Abu Dhabi launches ‘World’s Richest Seas’ initiative to increase fish density by 2030/image: WAM

Abu Dhabi has announced a new marine programme focused on rebuilding fish populations and strengthening the sustainability of fisheries, as authorities move to consolidate recent gains in marine protection and food security.The initiative, titled Hamdan bin Zayed: The World’s Richest Seas, has been launched by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and sets out an ambition to achieve one of the highest fish densities globally by 2030. It brings together regulatory oversight, habitat restoration and technology-led monitoring to support healthier marine ecosystems across the emirate.The launch coincided with UAE National Environment Day and followed Abu Dhabi’s achievement of a full score in the Sustainable Fishing Index by the end of 2025. The index stood at eight per cent in 2018, with officials attributing the increase to the introduction of science-based policies, stricter fishing controls and long-term planning for marine resources.The milestone was highlighted during a meeting of the Global Councils for Sustainable Development Goals, held alongside the World Government Summit 2026. The meeting was chaired by Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future and Chair of the Global Councils for Sustainable Development Goals, and attended by council heads from 17 countries as well as senior UAE officials serving as vice-chairs. Authorities said the improvement in fishing sustainability has helped protect marine habitats while increasing the availability of locally sourced fish, supporting a food system based on renewable natural resources.H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said the progress reflects consistent institutional support for marine conservation. He said the initiative continues a policy direction centred on scientific research, innovation and the regulation of marine activity, with the aim of improving productivity without disrupting ecological balance.One of the main components of the programme is Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens, which involves establishing new underwater habitats through the deployment of artificial reef modules. Around 40,000 modules are planned initially, with the total expected to reach 80,000 by 2030 through partnerships with public and private sector entities. The reefs are intended to attract fish, support biodiversity and improve natural marine productivity.The wider programme also includes the Coral Rehabilitation Project, which targets the cultivation of four million coral colonies, and the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, which aims to plant 50 million mangrove trees by 2030. These efforts are supported by advanced monitoring systems and artificial intelligence tools to assess environmental conditions and guide future development.Officials said the combined measures are intended to strengthen fisheries management, protect sensitive habitats and support long-term food security objectives.

Go to Source

Hot this week

‘Requested PM not to come to House’: Lok Sabha Speaker says plot by Congress MPs to create ‘inappropriate incident’

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said he had advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to attend the House amid concerns over disorder, citing information that an inappropriate incident could have taken place near the Read More

The Kinshasa fashion lab harnessing Central African talent

In an abandoned hangar surrounded by dusty trucks in Kinshasa, young student models strut down a catwalk of artificial grass, showcasing their first-ever collection to their Congolese fashion school peers. Read More

Epstein files fallout: Why UK PM Keir Starmer is under fire

Epstein files earthquake in US but tremors in UK – Is UK PM Keir Starmer’s job under threat? Read More

In pictures: Niagara Falls transformed into a frozen wonderland

Tourists have defied extreme temperatures to have a look at the partially frozen Niagara Falls. Visitors are praising the winter spectacle as a striking sight. Read More

Topics

‘Requested PM not to come to House’: Lok Sabha Speaker says plot by Congress MPs to create ‘inappropriate incident’

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said he had advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to attend the House amid concerns over disorder, citing information that an inappropriate incident could have taken place near the Read More

The Kinshasa fashion lab harnessing Central African talent

In an abandoned hangar surrounded by dusty trucks in Kinshasa, young student models strut down a catwalk of artificial grass, showcasing their first-ever collection to their Congolese fashion school peers. Read More

Epstein files fallout: Why UK PM Keir Starmer is under fire

Epstein files earthquake in US but tremors in UK – Is UK PM Keir Starmer’s job under threat? Read More

In pictures: Niagara Falls transformed into a frozen wonderland

Tourists have defied extreme temperatures to have a look at the partially frozen Niagara Falls. Visitors are praising the winter spectacle as a striking sight. Read More

Most Wickets In T20 World Cup History And Bowlers With World Cup Final Maidens

Show Quick Read Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom In the high-stakes environment of the T20 World Cup, where batters often command the spotlight, these five bowlers have carved out legacies through consistency and wicket-ta Read More

Kuwait issues new Ramadan donation rules: Cash banned, Mosque collection prohibited

Kuwait issues new Ramadan donation rules: Cash banned, Mosque collection prohibited/Representative Image Kuwait has announced a comprehensive set of rules for collecting charitable donations during Ramadan 2026, placing firm limits o Read More

Taiwan says Trump’s call with Xi will help ‘stabilise’ region

Xi warned Washington to exercise caution in arms sales to Taiwan, but Chen said the Chinese leader’s comments wouldn’t threaten future purchases from the United States Go to Source Read More

Related Articles