Dubai, UAE, 13 April 2016: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has launched a program to construct 900 artificial coves across the UAE coasts to protect the natural fisheries and provide marine life with a safe place for breeding. The Ministry has installed 150 artificial Coves in the waters of Ajman as a part of the first phase of the project, in line with the Ministerial’s strategy to protect and develop the fisheries. 

“These artificial Coves are environmentally friendly and are designed to be a haven for fishes. It will provide a proper place for the breeding of the millions of fingerlings produced by the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Marine Research Center,” said H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment who visited Ajman for the launch event.

“Through this initiative, the Ministry will help increase the natural fish stock, and bring the fishing areas closer to the fisher men. This will help lighten the financial burden of the fishermen, who face the challenging task of having to travel long distances,” H.E. Dr. Al-Zeyoudi added.

The Ministry will implement the project in two phases. The first phase began in April, and over the course of two-months, 150 caves will be installed in waters of Ajman coasts, and another 150 will be installed in the coasts of Umm Al Quwain. The second phase will result in installing 600 caves in Ras Al Khaimah coasts and the eastern areas in the beginning of next year.

H.E. Dr. Al-Zeyoudi also met with representatives and fishermen from Ajman and praised the efforts of the Ajman Fishermen Association for reducing the challenges facing fishermen, and supporting the fishing profession to enhance food security through its active efforts to develop the fish stock in the country, which is one of the most important natural resources available.