MoCCAE Installs Artificial Reefs In Sharjah, Ajman, And Ras Al Khaimah To Support Marine Biodiversity
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has taken steps to protect marine ecosystems by installing artificial reefs off the coasts of Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable fisheries, support the fishing industry, and address climate change impacts on marine environments.
Artificial reefs serve as a strategic measure to increase fish populations, improve national food security, and restore marine biodiversity. The installation was completed in collaboration with local authorities such as the Sharjah Fish Resources Authority, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, and Ras Al Khaimah Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA).
Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MoCCAE, stated that this initiative creates an eco-friendly artificial marine reserve. "This initiative establishes an eco-friendly artificial marine reserve, designed to support marine life and enhance regional environmental sustainability," she said. It aligns with the Ministry's strategy of integrating with local authorities and strengthening private sector partnerships.
The Artificial Caves Programme was launched in 2016 by MoCCAE to safeguard marine environments. It aims to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and biodiversity by creating artificial habitats for fish. These efforts provide safe breeding grounds for young fish, thereby boosting marine biodiversity.
Local authorities played a crucial role in determining the coordinates for installing these reefs. The programme has seen significant success over the years through cooperation with local bodies and private sector partners like Fish Farm LLC. These partnerships have led to eco-friendly artificial reefs being placed along UAE's coasts.
The Ministry continues to expand this programme to ensure long-term sustainability of the marine environment. By creating accessible fishing grounds, these reefs support the fishing industry while promoting environmental conservation for future generations.
Al Shehhi further explained that these efforts aim to promote the fishing industry and protect fish stocks as vital resources in UAE's waters. "Through these efforts, we aim to promote the fishing industry and protect fish stocks as one of the most important resources in the country's marine environment," she added.
This initiative also supports the success of previous programmes like the 'Artificial Caves Programme.' By rebuilding fish stocks in UAE waters, it contributes significantly to national food security and environmental sustainability.
With inputs from WAM
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