EAD Expands Coral Rehabilitation Project To Restore Over Four Million Coral Colonies By 2030

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has instructed the expansion of the agency's coral rehabilitation project. By 2030, more than four million coral colonies will be outplanted in the emirate's waters. This initiative will cover over 900 hectares, marking it as the largest coral rehabilitation project globally.

The initial phase of EAD's coral restoration project successfully achieved its target of one million colonies. Restoration efforts spanned eight sites, covering over 300 hectares. The restored areas have seen a remarkable increase in coral coverage with a success rate exceeding 95 percent. These sites are showing signs of recovery, with fish biomass and diversity increasing by more than 50 percent.

The project's scope includes developing coral nurseries to mitigate natural and human-induced pressures on reefs from coastal development and climate change. Rising seawater temperatures pose an immediate threat to these ecosystems. Despite harsh conditions in the Arabian Gulf, corals here adapt well, providing habitats for various marine species.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, stated, "Following the successful outcomes of the coral restoration project so far, with us planting one million coral colonies, the EAD bi is now even more committed to continuing and expanding the Coral Restoration Programme. This strategic initiative aims to increase its scope to restore more than four million coral colonies by 2030, underscoring EAD's dedication to marine conservation and ecosystem restoration. The project is also in line with Abu Dhabi vision, and biodiversity resilience goals, creating resilient ecosystems."

The first phase involved evaluating resilient reefs and identifying potential donor sites for nurseries based on water quality, currents, depth, and temperature criteria. Underwater nurseries were then established to nurture corals collected from suitable reefs with a production capacity reaching one million colonies.

In subsequent phases, nursery stock was harvested and transported to various sites for ecosystem restoration through coral translocation to degraded areas. This approach aims to rehabilitate affected sites while increasing Abu Dhabi’s total coral reef area.

Commitment to Marine Ecosystem Conservation

EAD remains dedicated to monitoring and rehabilitating coral reefs as part of its efforts aligned with Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy objectives. Dr. Al Dhaheri emphasised that this nature-based solution addresses climate change effects on seabeds while preserving vital marine habitats.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said their goal is enhancing Abu Dhabi's coral reef resilience against climate change by selecting heat-tolerant species. Corals support local fish stocks by providing habitats for diverse fish species across different life stages.

The ongoing commitment from EAD highlights their dedication towards marine conservation initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems crucial for biodiversity resilience within Abu Dhabi’s waters.

With inputs from WAM