EAD Initiates First Freshwater Oyster Pearl Aquaculture Project In Abu Dhabi For Sustainable Farming

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is advancing sustainable pearl oyster farming in Abu Dhabi. They have launched the region's first freshwater pearl oyster aquaculture project in Al Faya. This initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Aquaculture Policy, aiming to boost the emirate's leadership in this field.

An extension of the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre, established in Mirfa in 2007, this project focuses on cultivating new oyster varieties. The facility includes an indoor aquaculture setup with 10 units, capable of producing 10,000 oysters annually. It also features a quarantine area and research and administrative facilities. So far, around 8,500 freshwater oysters have been produced.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, stated that the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre is the first in the Middle East to culture freshwater oyster pearls. She emphasised its role in supporting research and studies on sustainable oyster farming while enhancing the emirate's technological advancements and national capacity building.

The centre has successfully cultured local pearl oysters at Al Mirfa, gaining expertise to produce high-quality pearls sustainably. Dr. Al Dhaheri highlighted that this success has allowed them to expand operations to include new types of pearl-producing oysters like freshwater ones, with a target of producing up to 10,000 oysters annually by the end of 2024.

Sustainability principles were integral to designing this new project. Water discharged from farming units is reused for irrigation, creating a positive environmental impact and promoting water conservation efforts alongside sustainable practices.

The project cultures Chinese and Indian oyster species. Each oyster can produce between 15 and 20 pearls varying in shape, size, and colour. This diversity adds value to the initiative while aligning with environmental goals.

This initiative not only strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in sustainable aquaculture but also contributes significantly to environmental conservation efforts through innovative practices and technologies.

With inputs from WAM