The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recorded an improvement in fish stocks during 2020 for some of the commercially fished species.
The initiative is under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the EAD.
The Sustainable Exploitation Index (SEI) indicator, which has been used to research and assess the state of fish stocks since 2001, has seen an increase in fish stock by 57.1% in 2020.
Due to natural and human factors, fish stocks have been depleting on a large scale all around the world. Additional procedures have been taken to reduce the pressure on fisheries in the commercial and recreational sectors.
Through banning fishing during breeding seasons as well as avoiding overfishing, the fish stocks have multiplied.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD's Secretary General said, "By improving fish stocks, rehabilitating fisheries habitats and intensifying efforts to control and reduce this depletion, these measures taken by the agency aim to achieve sustainable fisheries, including restoring balance and sustainability of fish stocks and developing the aquaculture sector."