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.
