Abu Dhabi's marine conservation success: How EAD reversed overfishing trends, hit 97.4% sustainability score
17 June 2025 00:15
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi recently marked a key milestone in marine conservation, achieving a near-perfect fish stock score - a feat that demonstrated how strategic efforts and a deep respect for natural heritage can help secure a sustainable future for generations, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has said.
Nearly all of the emirate's fish stocks are now being harvested at sustainable levels, according to the latest Sustainable Fisheries Index. The EAD managed to lift the emirate's score from just 8.9% in 2018 to a remarkable 97.4% in 2024.
This milestone is not just about numbers - it "reflects healthier ecosystems, greater marine biodiversity, and a strong recovery from previous overfishing trends, ensuring that marine resources remain productive and resilient for future generations", the EAD said in a statement to Aletihad.
"Abu Dhabi showcases how science-based policies, strong enforcement, and community engagement can achieve tangible conservation success," it added.Achieving a near-perfect Sustainable Fisheries Index score aligns with the emirate's broader strategy of balancing ecological preservation with economic resilience. It directly supports the goals of the UAE National Framework Statement for Sustainable Fisheries (2019–2030) and reinforces the emirate's commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable development and marine innovation.
Strategic StepsCentral to this achievement are EAD's science-backed management strategies, including: seasonal bans during fish spawning periods; imposing minimum size limits to protect juvenile fish; promoting the use of sustainable fishing gear; establishing marine protected areas; and using AI-driven systems for monitoring and data collection. These steps have reduced overfishing pressures, allowed fish populations to regenerate, and enhanced the resilience of marine ecosystems.Major regulatory updates have also been rolled out for both commercial and recreational fishing sectors.Commercial fishers now operate under seasonal closures for vulnerable species such as hamour, shaari, and farsh, along with strict gear and size regulations. Recreational fishers must comply with daily catch limits, licensing requirements, and species protection rules."These interventions ensure sustainability while allowing continued access to the resource," the EAD said.Public education campaigns have further encouraged responsible fishing practices, emphasising the shared responsibility of conserving the sea's bounty.At the heart of Abu Dhabi's conservation strategy is the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, comprising six marine reserves where human activity is either banned or tightly controlled. These reserves serve as critical refuges and nurseries for marine species, while also functioning as natural laboratories for long-term ecological research."By protecting key habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, the network helps restore balance to the wider marine environment," the EAD said.Initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens project are also key contributors to fish stock recovery. Through coral culture and the deployment of artificial reefs, these efforts recreate vital underwater habitats for feeding, breeding, and sheltering marine life - supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health in the face of climate stressors, the authority explained.The discovery and registration of rare and previously undocumented species-such as the white-spotted grouper, Nuaimi, and Ghazala-indicate significant ecological improvement. These discoveries provide new data for researchers and validate the efficacy of ongoing conservation measures.
Abu Dhabi's marine conservation journey offers a replicable model for other coastal cities facing similar environmental challenges. By setting measurable goals, integrating real-time data, and investing in restoration and enforcement, the emirate demonstrates how conservation and development can coexist, the EAD said.
Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI
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