The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with "Fish Farm” is releasing several big sized (150 grams) Rhabdosargus sarba (Qabit) and finned black seabream (Sha’am) fish in the waters of marine protected areas across the seven emirates. 30,000 fish are to be released in each emirate with the aim of promoting the sustainability of fish stock for future generations.
The move comes within the framework of the ‘Year of Giving’ initiative launched by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has worked with municipalities and environmental bodies to coordinate the release of the fish in Ras Al Khor, Umm Al Quwain, Jebel Ali Marine Park in Dubai, Al Qurum Park in Abu Dhabi, Bird Island in Fujairah, Al Rams Creek in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman and in Sharjah.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The initiative is aimed at increasing the number of local fish during this year and providing an optimal fish culture environment across the country's protected areas. It also aims to contribute to the safeguarding and breeding of fish, thereby supporting the fisheries sector in the country.”
Dr. Al Zeyoudi added that the Ministry is determined to ensure the sustainability of the UAE’s living marine resources and to support the food security in the country through launching various initiatives, including the identification of commercial fish species that are being exploited, as well as to develop the local fish species breeding program and provide technical services and advice to small local fish farms.
Bader Bin Mubarak, CEO of Fish Farm, said: “Fish Farm’s contribution to this initiative serves as an initial step in launching other initiatives to find solutions for future challenges facing the country in preserving its local fish stock from extinction and depletion. It also supports the national strategy and helps enhance food security in view of the rising population and consumption.”
He pointed out that Fish Farm will cooperate with the Ministry in harvesting more local fish during their breeding seasons and release them periodically in various marine sites in the country, which will result in the safeguarding small-scaled fish from overfishing and allow them to grow and reproduce.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment regularly conducts and executes studies and research in the field of protecting and developing fish stocks. The Ministry’s Marine Environment Research Department also coordinates with local and regional organizations to develop strategies on scientific basis for sustainable management, development and monitoring of fish stock, with the aim of achieving optimal utilization of marine resources.