Abu Dhabi, 26 January 2026: Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recorded a significant increase in its Sustainable Fisheries Index, reaching 100 per cent by the end of 2025, up from 8 per cent in 2018. The achievement reflects the effectiveness of Abu Dhabi’s approach to restoring marine resources through scientific policies, habitat protection and the development of a sustainable system to enhance fish stock abundance.
The progress reflects Abu Dhabi’s environmental management model and its ability to rebuild fish stocks in line with the highest international standards.
The achievement is the result of an integrated research and development project, which developed advanced scientific methodologies for monitoring fish stocks and analysing marine ecosystems. The project applies modern, data-driven technologies to support policies and legislation and reflects a commitment to natural resource sustainability as an essential pillar of comprehensive national security, and the belief that protecting marine resources is not merely an environmental obligation, but a national strategy to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports.
EAD continues to enhance the protection of productive marine habitats through an integrated system of projects focused on rehabilitating ecosystems, increasing marine productivity and restoring ecological balance. These include rehabilitating natural habitats, restoring ecosystems and implementing extensive programmes to enhance biodiversity. EAD is also developing Abu Dhabi's coral gardens and deploying 40,000 artificial reef modules to create attractive environments for fish. In parallel, EAD is strengthening its regulatory and monitoring framework by leveraging artificial intelligence and smart systems to monitor fishing activities and environmental data. This is supported by the research vessel Jaywun, which provides accurate scientific data to inform decision-making.
EAD also relies on a wide network of monitoring and analysis programmes and values the vital cooperation of partners, fishermen, volunteers, and community members to support the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
As part of fish stock recovery efforts, Abu Al Abyad Island continues to implement an advancedprogramme to release fish fingerlings produced in specialised ponds, directly contributing to rebuilding marine resources. The programme works to compensate for losses resulting from natural pressures and overfishing by releasing fingerlings raised in a controlled, healthy environment, thus enhancing their ability to adapt, grow, and reproduce in the sea. This effort contributes to supporting biodiversity, restoring damaged marine habitats, and establishing sustainable fisheries, thereby strengthening environmental protection and sustainability efforts.