His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Ayoub Al Khajah, Director General of Delma Marine, signed the agreement at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show that runs until 20 October at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre.

As per the MoU, Delma Marine will install 1,000 artificial caves made of eco-friendly materials across select marine sites, starting from March 2019. The company will also regularly update the Ministry on the status of fish stocks at the installation sites. 

His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi said: “I thank Delma Marine for its contribution to our Artificial Caves Program that seeks to support the country’s fishing industry and enhance the sustainability of fish stock in UAE waters. The company is a prime example of a private sector organization that is committed to social responsibility.”

He added: “I am confident that similar constructive partnerships between the government and the private sector will fast-track the country’s transition to the green economy and help preserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations.” 

For his part, Ayoub Al Khajah said: “Delma Marine is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through adopting the latest technologies and solutions that increase the effectiveness of environmental protection. As part of this priority, we are keen to assist federal and local authorities in promoting a culture of sustainability in the UAE. We are proud to participate in the Ministry’s drive to install eco-friendly caves at carefully selected sites that plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the local fishing industry.”

MOCCAE launched the Artificial Caves Program in 2016. To date, the initiative has involved the installation of 400 cement caves to establish an artificial marine reserve in Ras Dhadna, 150 artificial caves to set up five fishing sites in Umm Al Quwain, 150 caves in Ajman, 300 caves in Ras Al Khaimah, and 300 caves across 30 sites stretching from Al Baiya Island in Fujairah to Loulouiya Harbor in Sharjah. In addition, the program established five fishing sites around Bird Island near Dibba using artificial caves.

Furthermore, in cooperation with the Ministry, the Environment Protection & Development Authority of Ras Al Khaimah (EPDA-RAK) has installed 600 artificial caves in a protected area in the emirate. The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has also installed 72 marine shields in the eastern region of the country, including 56 in Kalba and 16 in Dibba Al-Hisn.