The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the "Hamdan bin Zayed: The World’s Richest Seas" initiative, aiming to significantly increase fish stocks in the emirate, seeking to achieve one of the highest densities globally by 2030.

The announcement was made during the meeting of the Global Councils for Sustainable Development Goals, held on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2026 in Dubai, said a WAM news agency report.

It coincided with the UAE’s National Environment Day and a major environmental milestone for Abu Dhabi with the achievement of 100 percent in the Sustainable Fishing Index by the end of 2025, compared to just 8 percent in 2018. 

This transformative progress reflects the success of the integrated regulatory and scientific approach adopted by the emirate over recent years. It has played a pivotal role in safeguarding and sustaining marine resources, while strengthening the national food security ecosystem by increasing the abundance of local fish stocks and ensuring the availability of natural, renewable food sources for the community, the report said.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of the Board of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, affirmed that this achievement reflects the strong support the agency receives from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Hamdan noted that achieving a 100 percent Sustainable Fishing Index marks a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to safeguard its marine resources. He said: “The launch of this initiative represents a continuation of an approach grounded in science, innovation and the regulation of marine practices – one that enhances the sea’s productivity while preserving its natural balance for the benefit of future generations and contributes to strengthening our food security.”

As part of efforts to enhance productive marine habitats, Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens is one of the initiative’s flagship projects. The programme aims to establish new marine sites and underwater gardens through the deployment of 40,000 artificial reef modules, with the number set to rise to 80,000 by 2030, supported by partnerships across multiple sectors.

These efforts will create a resilient marine infrastructure capable of attracting fish, increasing biodiversity and strengthening natural productivity across the emirate’s waters.