Abu Dhabi tops sustainable fishing index with 97.4% score

Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has achieved a remarkable milestone by recording a significant increase in the Sustainable Fishing Index for the sixth consecutive year — rising from 8.9% in 2018 to 97.4% by the end of 2024. This accomplishment reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries management, marking a particularly meaningful achievement in alignment with World Oceans Day.

This success reflects the Agency’s ongoing efforts and commitment to conserving natural resources and optimizing the use of marine assets. It supports the ambitious vision of the Abu Dhabi Government to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, positioning the emirate as an inspiring model in addressing environmental challenges, preserving marine ecosystems, and ensuring a more prosperous and sustainable future.

EAD’s recent monitoring efforts also yielded notable findings that further validate the success of its marine sustainability agenda. These include the landing of 55 Nuaimi fish — a species rarely sighted in recent years — as well as the first recorded presence of the white-spotted grouper in Abu Dhabi, now officially registered in the international FishBase database. Additional sightings include rare species such as the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish, along with a general presence of larger fish, indicating healthier marine ecosystems.

EAD has implemented a comprehensive series of internationally aligned policies for fish stock recovery. These measures include regulating commercial fishing activities through sustainable methods, as well as new regulations for recreational fishing. The Agency has also established six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network where fishing is regulated, and enhanced sustainable aquaculture and fish stocks through coral culture and artificial reefs as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said:
“The significant progress recorded in the Sustainable Fisheries Index underscores Abu Dhabi’s leadership in environmental conservation. We are committed to deploying best-in-class management practices and leveraging scientific capabilities to restore fish populations and protect marine ecosystems. This success affirms the importance of evidence-based policy and global best practices in conserving our natural heritage for future generations.”

In March 2019, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, launched the National Framework for Sustainable Fisheries for the United Arab Emirates. This initiative was based on the outcomes of the UAE Sustainable Fisheries Program (2016–2018) and forms part of broader governmental efforts to protect and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources.

The framework, set to be fully implemented by 2030 and announced during the World Ocean Summit held in Abu Dhabi in 2019, aims to mitigate the environmental impacts of overfishing in UAE waters and to promote fisheries that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible.

The framework outlines a national plan to restore and replenish fish stocks across the country, along with optimal methods and approaches to ensure fisheries' sustainability at both national and local levels, especially considering ongoing climate change.

Key actions include critical management measures to reduce pressure on fisheries in both commercial and recreational sectors. It also emphasizes enhancing fish stocks through effective research and development in aquaculture and rehabilitating fisheries habitats by establishing artificial reefs.

The framework’s timeline, extending to 2030, reflects a strategic plan that allows sufficient time for fish stock recovery, assuming appropriate management actions are taken — in alignment with global recovery benchmarks that typically span up to 12 years.