H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Alzeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment witnessed today the installation of 150 artificial concrete coves in the fishing waters of Umm Al Quwain. The installation is the second phase of a larger national program that aims to install a total of 900 coves in various areas across the UAE coasts.

“The ministry decided to launch this initiative after conducting an in-depth research to explore viable and sustainable solutions for challenges facing UAE fisheries. The coves are a suitable and safe haven that will allow fish and millions of fingerlings produced by the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Marine Research Center to breed and grow,” said H.E. Dr. Alzeyoudi.

In April, H.E. Dr. Alzeyoudi witnessed the launch of the first phase of the project with the installation of 150 artificial coves off the coast in Ajman. The third phase of the program will see the placement of 600 coves in Ras Al Khaimah and the Eastern Region.

The objective of the initiative is to protect and boost natural fisheries in the country and create a safe breeding place for marine life. It is part of a larger scheme of policies launched by the ministry that aims to tackle current fish stock challenges and to positively impact fishermen. The policies will increase the fishermen’s productivity while allowing them to reduce the expenses of their fishing trips by shortening the distances that they need to travel. Other policies include releasing of fingerlings in fishing waters and putting in place rules that regulate fishing.

Mansoor Sultan Al Kharji, director-general of the department of economic development in Umm Al Quwain, who attended the event, praised the continued efforts of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in developing sustainable fisheries. “The artificial coves program plays an important role in regulating the fishing industry in the UAE and helps the fishermen in overcoming obstacles. It also helps in boosting national fish productivity,” he said.

Also attending the event was Sultan Saeed Al Ali, the executive director of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation in Umm Al Quwain who said that the initiative serves the local fishing industry. He also praised the fact that the coves are made out eco-friendly materials and will contribute to a more sustainable industry.

“The coves will have a positive effect in enriching local fisheries. They are a modern science-based alternative for old fishing equipments, which were placed in the waters by fishermen and were made out of materials that were not eco-friendly. We would like to thank H.E. Excellency Dr. Alzeyoudi who was keen on attending the event and closely following the installation process in coordination with other participating entities,” he said.