Latest news with #SustainableFisheriesIndex
Al Etihad
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
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 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 regulatory updates have also been rolled out for both commercial and recreational fishing 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 education campaigns have further encouraged responsible fishing practices, emphasising the shared responsibility of conserving the sea's 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 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 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
See - Sada Elbalad
10-06-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Abu Dhabi achieves 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index in 2024
Basant Ahmed Abu Dhabi has recorded a Sustainable Fisheries Index of 97.4 per cent by the end of 2024, continuing a six-year streak of marine conservation achievements in line with World Oceans Day, according to TV BRICS. The accomplishment marks an improvement from just 8.9 per cent in 2018. This was reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS. Recent marine monitoring also documented key indicators of ecosystem recovery. Notably, 55 specimens of the rare nuaimi fish were recorded, along with the first sighting of the white-spotted grouper in Abu Dhabi – now added to the international Fish Base database. Other rare species spotted include the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish. To support fish stock recovery, UAE has enforced internationally aligned regulations on commercial and recreational fishing and expanded marine protected areas. Additional initiatives include coral propagation, artificial reef installation, and enhanced aquaculture. Experts believe that the index milestone demonstrates the value of science-based policy and global best practices in restoring fish populations and protecting ecosystems. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Mid East Info
09-06-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Under the directives of Hamdan bin Zayed, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi records 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index, reaffirming Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainable fisheries management
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), aimed at conserving, protecting, and enhancing fisheries resources, the emirate has recorded significant achievements, for the sixth consecutive year, in its marine monitoring and conservation efforts to mark World Oceans Day. EAD has achieved an increase in the Sustainable Fisheries Index, reaching 97.4 per cent by the end of 2024, up from just 8.9 per cent in 2018. This performance reaffirms Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainable fisheries management. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: 'This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment and the diligent efforts of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to safeguard our natural wealth and optimise sustainable marine resource stewardship. It reinforces Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to strike a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, serving as a global model for confronting environmental challenges for a prosperous and resilient future.' Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: 'The significant progress recorded in the Sustainable Fisheries Index underscores Abu Dhabi's leadership in environmental conservation. We are committed to deploying best-in-class management practices and leveraging scientific capabilities to restore fish populations and protect marine ecosystems. This success affirms the importance of evidence-based policy and global best practices in conserving our natural heritage for future generations.' EAD's recent monitoring efforts also yielded notable findings that further validate the success of its marine sustainability agenda. These include the landing of 55 nuaimi fish– a species rarely sighted in recent years – as well as the first recorded presence of the white-spotted grouper in Abu Dhabi, now officially registered on the international Fish Base database. Additional sightings include rare species such as the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish, as well as the general presence of larger fish, indicating healthier marine ecosystems. EAD has implemented a comprehensive series of internationally aligned policies for fish stock recovery. These measures include regulating commercial fishing activities through sustainable methods, as well as implementing new regulations for recreational fishing. The Agency has also established 6 marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network where fishing is regulated, enhanced sustainable aquaculture and fish stocks through coral culture and artificial reefs as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative.
Al Etihad
08-06-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Under the directives of Hamdan bin Zayed, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi records 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index, reaffirming Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainable fisheries management
9 June 2025 00:21 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)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), aimed at conserving, protecting, and enhancing fisheries resources, the emirate has recorded significant achievements, for the sixth consecutive year, in its marine monitoring and conservation efforts to mark World Oceans has achieved an increase in the Sustainable Fisheries Index, reaching 97.4 percent by the end of 2024, up from just 8.9 percent in 2018. This performance reaffirms Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainable fisheries Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, 'This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment and the diligent efforts of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to safeguard our natural wealth and optimise sustainable marine resource stewardship. It reinforces Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to strike a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, serving as a global model for confronting environmental challenges for a prosperous and resilient future.'Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said, 'The significant progress recorded in the Sustainable Fisheries Index underscores Abu Dhabi's leadership in environmental conservation. We are committed to deploying best-in-class management practices and leveraging scientific capabilities to restore fish populations and protect marine ecosystems. This success affirms the importance of evidence-based policy and global best practices in conserving our natural heritage for future generations.'EAD's recent monitoring efforts also yielded notable findings that further validate the success of its marine sustainability agenda. These include the landing of 55 nuaimi fish– a species rarely sighted in recent years – as well as the first recorded presence of the white-spotted grouper in Abu Dhabi, now officially registered on the international Fish Base database. Additional sightings include rare species such as the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish, as well as the general presence of larger fish, indicating healthier marine has implemented a comprehensive series of internationally aligned policies for fish stock recovery. These measures include regulating commercial fishing activities through sustainable methods, as well as implementing new regulations for recreational fishing. The Agency has also established six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network where fishing is regulated, enhanced sustainable aquaculture and fish stocks through coral culture and artificial reefs as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative.
