Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has launched a programme to construct 900 artificial coves across the UAE coasts to protect natural fisheries and provide marine life with a safe place for breeding.
The ministry has already installed 150 artificial coves in the waters of Ajman as a part of the first phase of the project, in line with the ministry’s strategy to protect and develop the fisheries.
“These artificial coves are environmentally friendly and are designed to be a haven for fish. They will provide a proper place for the breeding of the millions of fingerlings produced by the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Marine Research Centre,” said Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, who visited Ajman for the launch event.
Through this initiative, he said, the ministry will help increase the natural fish stock, and bring the fishing areas closer to fishermen. “This will help lighten the financial burden of the fishermen, who face the challenging task of having to travel long distances,” Dr Al Zeyoudi added.
The ministry will implement the project in two phases. The first phase began in April. Over the course of two months 150 coves will be installed in the waters off the Ajman coast, and another 150 in the coasts of Umm Al Quwain. The second phase will result in installing 600 coves in Ras Al Khaimah coast and the eastern areas at the beginning of next year.
Al Zeyoudi also met representatives and fishermen from Ajman and praised the efforts of the Ajman Fishermen Association to reduce the challenges facing fishermen and supporting the fishing profession to enhance food security through active efforts to develop the fish stock in the country, which is one of the most important natural resources available.
