Abu Dhabi has an ambitious plan to create the world's richest seas
One of the central goals is to triple fisheries stock by 2030, increasing production from roughly 700 tonnes today to more than 2 million tonnes.
Abu Dhabi has launched an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at transforming its marine ecosystem into what officials describe as the “world’s richest sea,” building on years of conservation work that has already helped restore local fisheries and biodiversity.
Speaking to India Today at the World Governments Summit, Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (EAD), said the project is rooted in the emirate’s successful efforts to revive fish stocks that had sharply declined less than a decade ago.
“Our fisheries status had collapsed seven years ago, reaching just 8 percent,” Al Dhaheri said. “Through bold, science-backed policies and strong leadership support, fish stocks rebounded to 100 percent by the end of 2025.”
According to her, this recovery places Abu Dhabi well above the global fisheries index, which currently stands at around 65 percent. The new initiative seeks to build on that progress by significantly expanding marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
One of the central goals is to triple fisheries stock by 2030, increasing production from roughly 700 tonnes today to more than 2 million tonnes. The effort will combine environmental protection, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable economic development.
The “richest seas” vision extends beyond fisheries. Abu Dhabi already hosts the second-largest dugong population in the world, estimated at around 3,500 animals, along with over 4,000 green turtles, dolphins, and resilient coral reef ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf.
Al Dhaheri said biodiversity conservation programmes are being expanded to support the initiative. These include large-scale mangrove restoration, with 50 million mangrove saplings planted so far and a target of 100 million by 2030. Mangroves play a key role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and supporting marine life.
Protected marine and coastal areas are also being expanded. Conservation zones, which covered about 19 percent of Abu Dhabi’s natural areas a few years ago, have now reached 20 percent, with a target of 30 percent by 2030.
Another major programme focuses on coral reef restoration. Authorities aim to plant 4 million coral fragments by 2030, with 1.5 million already restored as part of ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Alongside biodiversity initiatives, Abu Dhabi is pursuing climate goals that support marine conservation. The emirate aims to reduce carbon emissions by 22 percent by 2027, while developing carbon-credit markets, emissions monitoring systems, and nature-based climate solutions.
Officials say the initiative demonstrates how environmental protection and economic growth can move forward together, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in sustainable marine conservation.