900 concrete caves for fish to breed safely off UAE coasts

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, today announced a plan to install 900 man-made caves in protected marine areas off Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and the Eastern Region, to create a favourable environment for marine life and enhance live fish stock in the country's waters.

The three-phase project, to begin in April with each phase stretching over a period two months, will provide safe breeding places for fish in the subsea structures.

In the first phase, 300 concrete caves will be immersed off Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain.

The third phase will begin in the third quarter of next year.

The minister, who was speaking to fishermen during a meeting, said the caves are environment-friendly and will help enhance sustainable fishing and save the fishermen's time and effort.

The project, he said, is part of his ministry's efforts to address issues facing the UAE's fish resources.