The Ministry of Environment and Water recently hosted a Japanese delegation comprising representative from the Embassy of Japan in the UAE,Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA, and Kinki University at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai. The meeting was held to strengthen the cooperation between both parties in the areas of aquaculture and the protection of fisheries. The session was headed by Salah Al Rayssi, Director of Fisheries, Ministry of Environment and Water, along with officials from the Ministry’s Marine Research Department.

Al Rayssi welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the importance of bolstering joint cooperation between the UAE and Japan in the development and protection of fisheries. He also underscored the importance of promoting fish farming technology in the UAE as a means to encourage investment in the aquaculture industry, one of the world’s most important growing sectors, along with innovative ways to enhance fish stocks and food security.

 While both parties discussed the current status of the UAE’s fisheries sector, the meeting highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to protect living aquatic resources to advance aquaculture development. Moreover, it talked about various measures undertaken by the Ministry in this regard, including marine research studies and implementation of legislation, regulations and laws for the UAE’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

 The Ministry also delivered a presentation on the Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre in Umm Al Quwain, which is considered as one of the main pillars contributing to the development of the UAE’s aquaculture sector. It aims to produce economically-viable larvae and fingerlings locally and raise them in the country’s marine protected areas, thus promoting fish stocks and the sustainability of fisheries.

 During the enriching session, both parties also reviewed the Japanese experience in the field of marine research and studies, fish farming, and private farming of bluefin tuna fish and other species that Japan has successfully cultured such as Hammour. They also talked about the different methods and training programs in the field of aquaculture along with other solutions to promote and develop fisheries and attain sustainability.

 At the end of the meeting, the Japanese delegation expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Environment and Water for its warm welcome which  has opened up prospects for cooperation between both parties. The delegates emphasized that such meetings will enhance the existing cooperation between the UAE and Japan.