Aquaculture Policy for Abu Dhabi to Accelerate Development of the Sector

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a Sustainable Aquaculture Policy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi geared towards promoting the growth of a competitive local aquaculture industry that will assist in reducing pressure on the severely exploited local fisheries. It will also contribute to food security and economic growth for the UAE by producing safe and high-quality seafood products through the use of sustainable technologies that preserve and protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The policy is consistent with local directives and strategies including the UAE National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Abu Dhabi Plan and Plan Maritime 2030, as well as global strategies including the United Nations’ Convention on Biological Diversity and Sustainable Development Goals.

Developed in collaboration with federal and emirate-level partners, the policy aims to identify a series of common guiding principles in the development of a local aquaculture sector, which address all pertinent environmental, societal, economic and decision-making aspects. In addition, the policy proposes six initiatives to accelerate the growth of Abu Dhabi’s aquaculture industry: updating and streamlining the current permitting process, developing a strategy to identify farming systems and appropriate sites, promoting economic investment in the sector, developing legislation, policies and guidelines, promoting innovation and scientific research in aquaculture and developing communication and marketing plans to attract investments to this sector. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of these initiatives, in coordination with other entities.

Studies commissioned by EAD, in partnership with other entities, indicate that overfishing and the degradation of marine habitats have resulted in alarming declines of fish stock and other marine species - at least 13 species have been harvested beyond sustainable levels, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the commercial catch and 88 per cent of the commercial fishery revenue. As such, the aquaculture sector presents an opportunity to augment the supply of fish and seafood through the use of sustainable technologies to relieve pressures on declining wild fish populations and ensure the protection of healthy, productive and resilient marine ecosystems.

Highlighting the strategic importance of a sustainable aquaculture sector in Abu Dhabi, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Acting Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “The sea represents an integral pillar of the history and culture of our nation, providing a lifeline to sustenance, as well as social and economic opportunity. With rapid growth and development, the population of the UAE has risen exponentially to 9.3 million in 2017, placing a critical need on the sustainable and efficient management of our marine resources and fish stocks. The Sustainable Aquaculture Policy is designed to relieve pressure on our fisheries by promoting a domestic strategy to promote a socially-responsible and economically-viable land and sea-based aquaculture sector, which can support the growing consumption patterns in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

Defined to fit the local context, the policy defines aquaculture as ‘the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, algae and aquatic plants for food, aquarium trade, restocking, recreational or commercial and research purposes.’ According to EAD’s records, production from permitted aquaculture farms in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in 2018 amounted to about 810 tons of aquatic organisms such as the local White Indian Shrimp and non-native Sturgeon species, with a total value of approximately AED 18.6 million – a 20 percent increase in production from 650 tons in 2017.

EAD has also recently completed the implementation of a Hydrodynamic modeling project that studied three sites in the west and south-east of Dalma Island to determine the carrying capacity of each site and to determine the amount of fish that can be cultured sustainably in marine cages. The project analysed the potential environmental impacts of aquaculture activities on the marine environment, and determined the length of time it will take for it to replenish following the removal of the marine cages.

Following the launch of this policy, EAD will continue to develop plans and procedures, review environmental impact assessments of new aquaculture projects, issue environmental permits for aquaculture ventures and conduct routine inspections to ensure environmental compliance and sustainability.

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About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)

Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.

© Press Release 2019