May 5, 2010

Abu Dhabi to cooperate with Japan in aquaculture research

The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently signed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kinki University, Japan to cooperate in the fields of aquaculture research and development.

The MoU was signed by H.E Majid Al Mansouri, EAD's secretary general and H.E. Hiroshige Seko, vice president of Kinki University at EAD's headquarters in Al Ma'moura Building.

This MOU comes following numerous consultations and exchanges of information between the two sides including a successful trip to Japan by a delegation from EAD headed by the secretary general during October of last year. During that visit the EAD delegation witnessed first-hand advances made by Japan in general and Kinki University in the field of aquaculture and in particular regarding bluefin tuna culture.

"We recognise the importance of aquaculture in the development of fish production in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the establishment of an environmentally sustainable stock that will alleviate stress on natural fish stocks and improve food security in the Emirate," said Al Mansouri.

The MoU will help the country to benefit from Kinki University's experience in the culture of hammour and particularly bluefin tuna, of which its full-cycle culture has been successfully completed in Japan, he added.

Kinki University will be sharing expertise and their experts will be visiting Abu Dhabi to undertake a feasibility study with the hopes of carrying out a pilot project. The University will also provide short to medium term technical training to EAD Emirati employees in both Japan and the UAE. EAD, in return, will be providing the necessary financial and logistical support for this undertaking.