September 13, 2024

 

United Arab Emirates launches first sea cages aquaculture project to boost sustainable fisheries

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the first sea cages aquaculture project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Baird Maritime reported.

 

The project, located southeast of Delma Island in the Al Dhafra Region, aims to support scientific studies and research on culturing local fish species using floating aquaculture cage systems. It will also develop environmental protocols for sustainable sea-based aquaculture in Abu Dhabi.

 

According to the EAD, the project will help alleviate pressure on wild fisheries resources and contribute to the UAE's food security objectives in response to the growing demand for seafood. It is also expected to encourage future investments in the aquaculture sector.

 

The initiative will be equipped with an advanced monitoring and data collection system that utilises artificial intelligence. This makes it one of the first applications of such technology in the Middle East. The system will enhance the efficiency of managing aquaculture operations and includes environmental sensors to monitor key marine water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and ammonia levels.

 

Additionally, the project will feature underwater and surface cameras to track fish behaviour and feeding efficiency. Data transmission will be powered by solar panels, using a smart gateway for seamless data transfer.

 

Before establishing the project, the EAD conducted integrated hydrodynamic and environmental modelling to determine sustainable aquaculture development zones in the Al Dhafra Region. This modelling helped determine the maximum biomass of fish that can be cultured within selected sites without harming the environment.

 

The model also studied wave and particle movements, as well as water quality, to ensure the long-term environmental sustainability of the chosen locations.

 

The project includes six floating sea cages capable of producing 100 tonnes of fish annually. Among the species being cultured are high-value local fish, including gabit, safi, hamour, and sheri. As part of the project, 168,000 safi arabi, 122,000 gabit, 100,000 shaam, and 90,000 shaari have already been released into the sea.

 

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, stated that a thorough survey and hydrodynamic modelling were conducted to identify the most suitable location for the project, ensuring environmental and operational sustainability.

 

-      Baird Maritime