Artificial caves built in Dubai to encourage fish stocks

Artificial caves have been built in Dubai as part of a programme to encourage fish stocks and rehabilitate marine ecosystems across the UAE.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment installed 100 caves made from eco-friendly materials at Jumeirah fishing harbour on Saturday.

The caves, which have been named Zayed Marine Reserves, were built as part of an agreement between the ministry and Delma Marine last year to build and install artificial habitats in UAE waters.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, watched as the caves were being installed.

Dr Al Thani said that they were part of the ministry’s efforts to “support the sustainability of the marine environment, promote research and studies on marine biodiversity, build incubators for young fish in the coastal marine environment and to enhance the fisheries stock”.

Maj Gen Ahmed bin Thani, the chairman of the Marine Conservation Society, said ensuring a sustainable marine environment was highlighted in UAE Vision 2021.

“The installation of artificial caves serves this target well as they represent an alternative for natural habitats that incubate marine life, particularly small fish,” Gen bin Thani said.

“Such efforts facilitate research and control activities to assess the current state of the marine environment.”

The artificial caves programme was launched by the ministry in May 2016 to promote fishing as an occupation and improve the sustainability of fish stocks.

The initiative includes establishing an artificial marine reserve in Ras Dhadna with 400 cement caves and five fishing sites at Bird Island in Dibba, among other locations.

The news follows the announcement that 850 square metres of coral gardens will be built along the coasts of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman to help to rehabilitate natural marine ecosystems in the area.

The work, which is the first phase of three new coral reefs, is being bedded in as part of a ministry project to help increase fish stocks and encourage marine species.

The artificial caves represent an alternative for natural habitats that incubate marine life, particularly small fish GEN AHMED BIN THANI Chairman of the Marine Conservation Society