As part of its efforts to protect the marine environment and promote the sustainability of fishery resources and fishing professions, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has deployed several artificial reefs in the coastal waters of Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah.
This initiative was carried out in collaboration with local authorities in each emirate, including the Sharjah Fisheries Authority, the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, and the Ras Al Khaimah Environmental Protection and Development Authority. The deployment was executed according to coordinates agreed upon with local authorities in each emirate.
Heba Obaid Al Shuhhi, the Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine Life at the Ministry, stated, “This initiative aims to establish environmentally friendly artificial marine reserves that support marine life and enhance environmental sustainability in the region. It is part of the ministry’s strategy focused on collaboration with local entities and strengthening partnerships with the private sector, which plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development and promoting community responsibility.”
She further added, “Through these ongoing efforts, the ministry aims to strengthen the fishing profession and protect fish stocks, which are among the most vital natural resources in our waters. This recent deployment marks an additional step in supporting the success of the ‘Artificial Reefs’ program and rebuilding fish stocks in the coastal marine environment.”
The ‘Artificial Reefs’ program is a key strategic initiative launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in 2016, as part of its strategy to protect the marine environment and ensure the sustainability and biodiversity of its natural resources.
The main objective of this program is to enhance and develop fish stocks in national waters by creating artificial habitats and building nurseries for juvenile fish to provide a safe environment for their reproduction and growth, thereby supporting marine biodiversity.
Over the past years, the program has achieved significant successes in collaboration with relevant local authorities and private sector partners, including ‘Fish Farm’. The artificial reefs have been constructed from environmentally friendly materials and deployed at various predetermined locations along the country’s coast.