emirates7 - The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has initiated the first sea cages aquaculture project in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This project is launched under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the EAD Board of Directors, and aligns with Abu Dhabi's sustainable aquaculture policy.
Located southeast of Delma Island in the Al Dhafra Region, the project aims to conduct scientific research on the cultivation of local fish species using floating aquaculture cage systems. It also seeks to develop environmental protocols for sustainable sea-based aquaculture in Abu Dhabi.
The project is designed to alleviate the pressure on wild fisheries and address the effects of climate change. Additionally, it will support food security goals in response to the growing demand for seafood and promote future investments in the sector.
Equipped with advanced monitoring and data collection systems powered by artificial intelligence, the project is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It aims to optimize aquaculture operations using environmental sensors to monitor marine water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and ammonia levels.
The system will also include underwater and surface cameras to monitor fish behavior and feeding efficiency, with data transmission facilitated by a smart gateway powered by solar energy.
Before establishing the project, EAD conducted integrated hydrodynamic and environmental modeling to identify sustainable aquaculture development zones in the Al Dhafra Region. This modeling determined the maximum sustainable fish biomass that could be cultured in selected sites without harming the environment.
The modeling also included studies on wave and particle movements and water quality to ensure the selected sites' environmental sustainability.
The project includes six floating sea cages with an annual production capacity of 100 tonnes of fish. Target species include various high-value local fish, such as Gabit, Safi, Hamour, and Sheri, with 168,000 Safi Arabi, 122,000 Gabit, 100,000 Shaam, and 90,000 Shaari released.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, stated, "In line with our efforts to advance sustainable aquaculture in the emirate and implement our policy initiatives, we are conducting the first aquaculture cage project southeast of Delma Island, which will focus on cultivating local fish species that are at risk of overexploitation."
She added that a comprehensive survey, supported by hydrodynamic modeling, was carried out to identify the most suitable location for the project.
This project is launched under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the EAD Board of Directors, and aligns with Abu Dhabi's sustainable aquaculture policy.
Located southeast of Delma Island in the Al Dhafra Region, the project aims to conduct scientific research on the cultivation of local fish species using floating aquaculture cage systems. It also seeks to develop environmental protocols for sustainable sea-based aquaculture in Abu Dhabi.
The project is designed to alleviate the pressure on wild fisheries and address the effects of climate change. Additionally, it will support food security goals in response to the growing demand for seafood and promote future investments in the sector.
Equipped with advanced monitoring and data collection systems powered by artificial intelligence, the project is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It aims to optimize aquaculture operations using environmental sensors to monitor marine water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and ammonia levels.
The system will also include underwater and surface cameras to monitor fish behavior and feeding efficiency, with data transmission facilitated by a smart gateway powered by solar energy.
Before establishing the project, EAD conducted integrated hydrodynamic and environmental modeling to identify sustainable aquaculture development zones in the Al Dhafra Region. This modeling determined the maximum sustainable fish biomass that could be cultured in selected sites without harming the environment.
The modeling also included studies on wave and particle movements and water quality to ensure the selected sites' environmental sustainability.
The project includes six floating sea cages with an annual production capacity of 100 tonnes of fish. Target species include various high-value local fish, such as Gabit, Safi, Hamour, and Sheri, with 168,000 Safi Arabi, 122,000 Gabit, 100,000 Shaam, and 90,000 Shaari released.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, stated, "In line with our efforts to advance sustainable aquaculture in the emirate and implement our policy initiatives, we are conducting the first aquaculture cage project southeast of Delma Island, which will focus on cultivating local fish species that are at risk of overexploitation."
She added that a comprehensive survey, supported by hydrodynamic modeling, was carried out to identify the most suitable location for the project.