H.H. 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), praised the agency’s remarkable strides in fisheries sustainability during his recent visit to its headquarters.
Commending the continued support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan noted that this leadership has enabled EAD to make significant progress in conserving marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable fish stocks for future generations.
The visit was attended by 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.
Highlighting one of the agency’s landmark achievements, Sheikh Hamdan lauded EAD for raising the sustainable fishing index from 8.9% in 2018 to 97.4% by the end of 2024, positioning Abu Dhabi as the global leader in this index. The success stems from EAD’s integrated management approach, including:
- Adoption of sustainable fishing gear
- Regulation of recreational fishing
- Creation of six marine reserves under the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network
EAD has also played a key role in developing the emirate’s sustainable aquaculture sector, with initiatives such as coral reef restoration and the installation of artificial reef structures under the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative.
One of the significant projects presented during the visit was the Dalma Fish Project, the first in the Middle East to incorporate artificial intelligence in marine aquaculture. The innovative system uses AI to identify fish species and estimate their size and weight, offering advanced data collection for sustainable fisheries management.
“EAD’s vision, innovation, and collaboration with fishermen and stakeholders are driving forces behind Abu Dhabi’s success in achieving marine sustainability,” said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan.
He concluded by expressing pride in EAD’s future-focused strategies and its role in aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental goals, calling the agency a model for sustainability and innovative governance in marine resource management.
–Input WAM
