The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has teamed up with Fish Farm to install 20 artificial caves in Khorfakkan’s Al Badiyah Island in a bid to help replenish fish stocks in the UAE’s waters.

The step is the second part of a multi-phase agreement between MOCCAE and Fish Farm to install 500 artificial caves.

The first phase, which was carried out in May 201, saw 300 artificial caves installed at 30 sites in the UAE, including Al Badiyah Island and Sharjah’s Loulouiya Harbour.

The locations were chosen for their proximity to the UAE’s coastline, with the stated aim of bringing fishing areas closer to show to reduce the operational costs of fishing trips and eliminate the risks associated with deep-sea fishing.

“The Ministry’s collaboration with Fish Farm is a prime example of a productive public-private partnership that supports the sustainability of fisheries in the country,” said Salah Al Rayssi, director of the Fisheries Sustainability Department at MOCCAE. “Through initiatives such as this one, we seek to build artificial habitats that provide a safe environment for the breeding of fish and other marine species."

He added that the artificial caves form part of a larger MOCCAE effort to support fishing and ensure the long-term viability of the UAE’s fishing industry.