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New sustainable aquaculture policy launched in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Strategy aims to ease the pressure on "severely exploited" local fisheries.

A new aquaculture strategy that will help protect local fish stocks and ensure food security has been launched in Abu Dhabi.
Called the Sustainable Aquaculture Policy, the strategy aims to ease the pressure on "severely exploited" local fisheries, according to the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).
It outlines six initiatives that aim to accelerate the growth of the aquaculture industry - and these include streamlining the process of acquiring permits; identifying fish farming systems and appropriate sites; promoting economic investments; developing legislation and guidelines; bolstering innovation and scientific research; and developing communication and marketing plans.
The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, in coordination with other entities, will be overseeing the implementation of these initiatives. The policy has been put together at a time when the sustainable management of marine resources has become critical.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, acting secretary-general of the EAD, said: "The sea represents an integral pillar of the history and culture of our nation, providing a lifeline to sustenance, as well as social and economic opportunity.
"With rapid growth and development, the population of the UAE has risen exponentially to 9.3 million in 2017, placing a critical need on the sustainable and efficient management of our marine resources and fish stocks."
Declining fish stock
Studies commissioned by the EAD, in partnership with other entities, indicate that over-fishing and the degradation of marine habitats have been depleting fish stocks and other populations of marine species at an alarming rate. At least 13 species have been harvested beyond sustainable levels, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the commercial catch and 88 per cent of the commercial fishery revenue.
Defined to fit the local context, the new policy describes aquaculture as 'the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, algae and aquatic plants for food, aquarium trade, restocking, recreational or commercial and research purposes'.
According to the EAD's records, the 2018 production from licensed aquaculture farms in Abu Dhabi amounted to about 810 tonnes of aquatic organisms, including the local White Indian Shrimp and non-native Sturgeon species, with a total value of approximately Dh18.6 million. This represented a 20 per cent increase in production, from 650 tonnes in 2017.
With the Sustainable Aquaculture Policy, Dr Al Dhaheri said a clear domestic strategy would be put in place to create a socially responsible and economically viable aquaculture sector, which can support the growing consumption patterns in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The policy will also contribute to the UAE's food security and economic growth by laying out the guidelines for the sustainable production of safe, high-quality seafood products, authorities have said.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com