MOCCAE authorises Fish Farm to operate hatchery in UAE

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) authorising Fish Farm to operate a new fish hatchery facility.

Fish Farm is expected to operate the hatchery at MOCCAE’s Marine Environment Research Center in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, following the authorisation.

The research centre features 24 tanks with a capacity of 10m³ each.

MOCCAE Regions Sector assistant undersecretary Sultan Alwan said: “To meet this priority, we are keen to encourage the private sector to invest in marine aquaculture through supporting and facilitating such investments.

“The new initiative is an extension of our ‘Artificial Caves’ programme launched in 2016 to build artificial habitats that provide a safe environment for the breeding of fish and other marine species.

“Combined with the fishing regulations introduced by the ministry, the programme has led to a remarkable improvement in fish populations in these waters, as evidenced in a 2017 survey to study its impact.”

Alwan further added that the new initiative is intended to improve the long-term sustainability of fisheries as a primary pillar of food diversity in the country.

Additionally, Fish Farm will be responsible for installing 300 artificial caves annually over the three-year duration of the agreement.

Fish Farm CEO Bader bin Mubarak said: “The agreement leverages Fish Farm’s long-standing experience in marine aquaculture and managing fish hatcheries.

“We aim to help in finding modern solutions to the future challenges of sustaining fish populations locally, and protecting all species against extinction and depletion.”

Fish Farm currently produces around 2,500t of fish per year.