Latest news with #DhabiCoralGardens
Gulf Today
14-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Hamdan Bin Zayed hails President's support for EAD
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), commended the unwavering support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that this steadfast backing has enabled the agency to achieve remarkable progress through a diverse portfolio of strategic projects and initiatives, all aligned with its vision to conserve fish stocks and ensure their sustainability for future generations. This came during his visit to the headquarters of EAD, in the presence of Sheikh Hazza Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD, Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region and Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the agency. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended the pioneering achievement of EAD in raising the sustainable fishing index from 8.9% in 2018 to 97.4% by the end of 2024. This places Abu Dhabi first globally in this index, as EAD has implemented comprehensive, globally informed measures and procedures for sustainable recovery of fish stocks. Key actions include regulating fishing activities through the adoption of sustainable gear, managing recreational fishing, and establishing six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network to oversee and control fishing practices. EAD has also advanced the sustainable aquaculture sector in Abu Dhabi. To further enhance fish stocks, the agency has undertaken coral reef restoration and installed artificial structures as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative. The EAD team also presented the Dalma Fish Project to him, an initiative that cultivates local fish in marine cages and stands as the first in the Middle East to integrate artificial intelligence into aquaculture practices. During the presentation, the team highlighted several of the agency's most innovative initiatives, including the use of AI in fisheries management, which is the first-of- its-kind globally. This technology enables the identification of fish species and the estimation of their size and weight, contributing to more effective data collection and the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. Sheikh Hamdan concluded the visit by praising EAD's ambitious developmental vision and its unwavering commitment to advancing environmental sustainability across the emirate. He highlighted the agency's impactful policies, continuous pursuit of innovation, and strong engagement with partners, fishermen, and community members as key drivers in achieving the emirate's objectives, particularly the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. WAM
Sharjah 24
13-07-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Hamdan bin Zayed visits Environment Agency
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that this steadfast backing has enabled the agency to achieve remarkable progress through a diverse portfolio of strategic projects and initiatives, all aligned with its vision to conserve fish stocks and ensure their sustainability for future generations. This came during His Highness's visit to the headquarters of EAD, in the presence of Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD, Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region and Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the agency. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended the pioneering achievement of EAD in raising the sustainable fishing index from 8.9% in 2018 to 97.4% by the end of 2024. This places Abu Dhabi first globally in this index, as EAD has implemented comprehensive, globally informed measures and procedures for sustainable recovery of fish stocks. Key actions include regulating fishing activities through the adoption of sustainable gear, managing recreational fishing, and establishing six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network to oversee and control fishing practices. EAD has also advanced the sustainable aquaculture sector in Abu Dhabi. To further enhance fish stocks, the agency has undertaken coral reef restoration and installed artificial structures as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative. The EAD team also presented the Dalma Fish Project to His Highness, an initiative that cultivates local fish in marine cages and stands as the first in the Middle East to integrate artificial intelligence into aquaculture practices. During the presentation, the team highlighted several of the agency's most innovative initiatives, including the use of AI in fisheries management, which is the first-of- its-kind globally. This technology enables the identification of fish species and the estimation of their size and weight, contributing to more effective data collection and the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. Sheikh Hamdan concluded the visit by praising EAD's ambitious developmental vision and its unwavering commitment to advancing environmental sustainability across the emirate. H.H. highlighted the agency's impactful policies, continuous pursuit of innovation, and strong engagement with partners, fishermen, and community members as key drivers in achieving the emirate's objectives, particularly the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Al Etihad
13-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Zayed visits Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and praises its efforts to enhance Abu Dhabi's global leadership in fisheries sustainability
13 July 2025 13:17 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), commended the unwavering support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Highness affirmed that this steadfast backing has enabled the agency to achieve remarkable progress through a diverse portfolio of strategic projects and initiatives, all aligned with its vision to conserve fish stocks and ensure their sustainability for future came during His Highness's visit to the headquarters of EAD, in the presence of Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD, His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region and Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended the pioneering achievement of EAD in raising the sustainable fishing index from 8.9 percent in 2018 to 97.4 percent by the end of 2024. This places Abu Dhabi first globally in this index, as EAD has implemented comprehensive, globally informed measures and procedures for sustainable recovery of fish stocks. Key actions include regulating fishing activities through the adoption of sustainable gear, managing recreational fishing, and establishing six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network to oversee and control fishing has also advanced the sustainable aquaculture sector in Abu Dhabi. To further enhance fish stocks, the agency has undertaken coral reef restoration and installed artificial structures as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens EAD team also presented the Dalma Fish Project to His Highness, an initiative that cultivates local fish in marine cages and stands as the first in the Middle East to integrate artificial intelligence into aquaculture practices. During the presentation, the team highlighted several of the agency's most innovative initiatives, including the use of AI in fisheries management, which is the first-of- its-kind globally. This technology enables the identification of fish species and the estimation of their size and weight, contributing to more effective data collection and the sustainable development of the fisheries Highness concluded the visit by praising EAD's ambitious developmental vision and its unwavering commitment to advancing environmental sustainability across the emirate. His Highness highlighted the agency's impactful policies, continuous pursuit of innovation, and strong engagement with partners, fishermen, and community members as key drivers in achieving the emirate's objectives, particularly the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Mid East Info
05-05-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Under the directives of Hamdan bin Zayed, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative, largest project of its kind in Middle East
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden initiative has been launched by the agency. The largest project of its kind in the Middle East, the project is a significant step in protecting the marine environment and enhancing marine biodiversity in Abu Dhabi. The initiative, which will be implemented between 2025 and 2030, aims to create coral gardens in the emirate by deploying 40,000 artificial reef modules made of environmentally durable materials and designed in different shapes and sizes to support the growth and reproduction of marine organisms. The coral gardens will extend over a total area of 1,200 square kilometres, equivalent to approximately 200,000 football pitches, in Abu Dhabi's coastal and deep waters, especially in areas devoid of coral reef or seagrass habitats. Several artificial reef modules will also be implanted with live coral reef fragments raised in the coral reef nursery of Abu Dhabi. The fragments are selected from the highly resilient coral species, that are tolerant to high marine water temperatures. This will support the coral reefs' growth, reproduction, and help restore the natural marine ecosystem. In addition, these gardens will provide safe havens for the release of local farmed fish species to support their natural growth and reproduction in the marine environment. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: 'Protecting the marine environment and enhancing its sustainability is an essential part of the UAE's vision to ensure a sustainable future for future generations. The Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative embodies Abu Dhabi's commitment to implementing innovative, nature-based solutions to support marine biodiversity, rehabilitate, and restore natural resources in line with economic development plans. 'We are proud that Abu Dhabi is a regional leader in implementing this ambitious initiative, which not only contributes to enhancing fish stock and protecting marine habitats, but also affirms the emirate's position as a global model in addressing environmental challenges and achieving a balance between development and nature conservation. The success of this initiative is the result of continuous cooperation with various entities and partners, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative in protecting our coasts, supporting eco-tourism and food security, as part of our efforts to achieve environmental sustainability.' Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: 'Abu Dhabi is a pioneer in implementing sustainable nature-based solutions, and the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative reflects our firm commitment to preserving the marine environment and enhancing biodiversity, in line with our wise leadership's vision for achieving sustainability. Through this ambitious initiative, we seek to improve marine ecosystems, support fisheries, and address the challenges of climate change. This initiative will also contribute to promoting ecotourism in the emirate by increasing tourist attractions for divers, making it a comprehensive project that achieves a balance between development and environmental sustainability. 'We aspire towards positive change that contributes to enhancing marine resources and providing a pioneering regional model in the field of innovative environmental solutions. Results of studies have revealed the effectiveness of artificial reefs in attracting and incubating fish and supporting the growth of many marine species at a rate three times that of natural coral reefs.' The initiative aims to produce more than 5 million kg of fish annually, consisting of various surface and bottom-dwelling species, which will help restore fish stocks and enhance recreational fishing. The reefs will also protect the emirate's beaches and islands from the expected effects of climate change and support blue carbon habitats. The agency's experimental studies conducted on artificial reefs have confirmed their effectiveness in enhancing the marine environment and biodiversity. The research included the evaluation of different types and designs of reef building materials, which were installed in 30 marine sites. The emirate is a national and regional leader when it comes to specialised experimental studies on artificial coral reefs to evaluate their effectiveness and role in supporting marine life. The results showed that the artificial reefs were able to attract, retain, and incubate marine organisms at rates higher than those of natural coral reefs, reflecting their potential to improve the marine environment, enhance biodiversity, and sustain fish stock, thus enhancing the balance between economic development and natural resource conservation.
The National
05-05-2025
- Science
- The National
Abu Dhabi launches largest artificial coral reef project in Middle East
The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency on Monday announced a major coral reef initiative. The Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens project, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, aims to protect the emirate's marine environment while boosting biodiversity, state news agency Wam reported. Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the agency's board of directors, the initiative will be implemented over the next five years. It aims to create "gardens" by installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes to support the growth of marine organisms. The gardens will span about 1,200 square kilometres within the coastal and deep waters of Abu Dhabi. How effective are artificial reefs? It is hoped their ability to withstand high temperatures will help restore natural marine environments and support local fish populations. Sheikh Hamdan said the initiative reflected the emirate's commitment to innovative natural solutions to enhance biodiversity. He added that the project will protect marine habitats, support fisheries and help to achieve a balance between development and conservation efforts. Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the agency, said the project was part of the emirate's efforts to implement sustainable, nature-based solutions. Artificial reefs have proven effective in attracting marine life at rates three times higher than natural reefs, contributing to the annual production of more than five million kilograms of fish. They can also help coastal areas cope with the effects of climate change. An initiative off Fujairah has proved particularly successful. Project REEFrame, launched in 2021, has already created a one-hectare artificial reef off the UAE's east coast and it is now well into crafting a second reef 10 times larger. It means "we are creating an ecosystem where there wasn't anything before", Darryl Owen, the British owner of Freestyle Divers, the company running the project, previously told The National. "Coral needs something solid to attach to. You have these rocky pinnacles where there are natural reefs and between them there's nothing, there's just sand," he said.
