Abu Dhabi: Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the groundbreaking 'Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens' initiative. This project marks a monumental step in marine conservation, aiming to protect and enhance the biodiversity of Abu Dhabi's coastal and deep waters.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, is scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2030. It will involve the deployment of 40,000 artificial reef modules made from environmentally durable materials, designed to support the growth and reproduction of marine organisms. The coral gardens will span an area of 1,200 square kilometers, comparable to 200,000 football pitches, and will be located in areas lacking natural coral reef or seagrass habitats.
The project will also involve implanting live coral reef fragments from Abu Dhabi's coral reef nursery into several modules. These fragments, selected for their resilience to high marine water temperatures, will aid in the growth and reproduction of coral reefs, thereby restoring the natural marine ecosystem. Furthermore, the gardens will serve as safe havens for releasing local farmed fish species, promoting their growth and reproduction in the wild.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the UAE's commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that the initiative reflects Abu Dhabi's dedication to innovative, nature-based solutions for marine biodiversity and natural resource rehabilitation. He highlighted the initiative's contribution to enhancing fish stocks, protecting marine habitats, and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in environmental sustainability.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, reiterated this sentiment, noting the initiative's role in promoting ecotourism and supporting fisheries. She pointed out the effectiveness of artificial reefs in attracting marine life, with studies showing they support marine species growth at a rate three times higher than natural coral reefs.
The initiative is expected to produce over 5 million kg of fish annually, aiding in fish stock restoration and enhancing recreational fishing. Additionally, the reefs will help protect Abu Dhabi's beaches and islands from climate change impacts while supporting blue carbon habitats.
EAD's experimental studies on artificial reefs have confirmed their success in enhancing marine environments and biodiversity. The research evaluated various reef building materials, installed at 30 marine sites, proving their potential to attract and incubate marine organisms more effectively than natural reefs, thereby balancing economic development with natural resource conservation.
