Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with a private company Fish Farm is releasing several big (150gm) rhabdosargus sarba (Qabit) and finned black seabream (Sha’am) fish in protected marine areas across the UAE, with 30,000 fish to be released in each emirate.
The ministry has worked with municipalities and environmental bodies to coordinate the release of the fish in Ras Al Khor, Umm Al Quwain, Jebel Ali Marine Park in Dubai, Al Qurum Park in Abu Dhabi, Bird Island in Fujairah, Al Rams Creek in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman and in Sharjah.
Dr Thani Bin Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The initiative is aimed at increasing local fish this year and providing an optimal fish culture environment in protected marine areas. It also aims to contribute to the safeguarding and breeding of fish, thereby supporting the fisheries sector in the country.”
Dr Al Zeyoudi added that the ministry plans to launch various initiatives, including the identification of commercial fish species that are being exploited, developing the local fish species breeding programme and providing technical services and advice to small local fish farms.
Bader Bin Mubarak, CEO of Fish Farm, said the company will cooperate with the ministry in harvesting more local fish during their breeding seasons and release them periodically in various marine sites.
The ministry regularly conducts studies and research in the field of protecting and developing fish stocks. Its Marine Environment Research Department also coordinates with local and regional organisations to develop strategies for sustainable management, development and monitoring of fish stocks.
