The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has unveiled the first sea cages aquaculture project in the capital, marking a significant step towards sustainable fisheries and climate change mitigation. The project, located southeast of Delma Island in the Al Dhafra Region, aims to alleviate pressure on wild fisheries, support food security and promote future investments in the aquaculture sector.
The project comprises six floating sea cages designed to produce 100 tonnes of fish annually. It focuses on cultivating high-value local species, including Safi Arabi, Gabit, Shaam and Sheri. To date, 168,000 Safi Arabi, 122,000 Gabit, 100,000 Shaam and 90,000 Sheri fish have been released into the cages.
The project is the first of its kind in the Middle East, equipped with advanced monitoring and data collection systems that utilize artificial intelligence. It employs environmental sensors to monitor marine water quality, such as temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and ammonia levels. The system also features underwater and surface cameras to track fish behaviour and feeding efficiency and a smart gateway for data transmission, all powered by solar panels.
Prior to the project's establishment, EAD conducted integrated hydrodynamic and environmental modelling to identify sustainable aquaculture development zones in the Al Dhafra Region. This modelling ensured that the maximum biomass of fish could be sustainably cultured without harming the environment. The model also analyzed wave and particle movements and water quality to maintain environmental sustainability at the selected sites.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, emphasized the project's alignment with the UAE government’s vision for sustainable aquaculture.
She said, “As part of our efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture in the emirate and implement our sustainable aquaculture policy initiatives, we are conducting the first aquaculture cage project southeast of Delma Island, which will include the cultivation of local fish species that are vulnerable to overexploitation.”
She further highlighted the careful planning involved in the project, “The project is aligned with the UAE government’s vision that prioritizes the development of aquaculture due to its potential economic and environmental benefits, while reducing pressures on the decline in natural fish stocks. A careful survey was conducted to determine the most suitable location for the project, using hydrodynamic modelling and a comprehensive survey of various sites.”