In its press release Nakheel, the developer of man-made islands, announced to create over 500 man-made reefs that will boost fisheries resources in UAE. Experts says that artificial reefs are very effective devices for attracting and supporting large populations of reef-associated fish. They can provide complex, hard surface habitat in areas where only soft bottoms occur, which includes the majority of Dubai’s marine waters.
Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah informed that over 500 artificial reefs will be built using the natural resources in our country. He added that Emirates Marine Environmental Group, a UAE-based non-profit organization, is helping Nakheel in this initiative that is expected to see commercial fishing in theses areas in the next six months. He told that the company is fully decimated to manage its artificial reefs sustainbly. Only a small percentage will be fishable to help ensure fisheries resources will not be over-exploited.
In Dubai fishing is an important industry and seafood is one of the main attractions of its menu. The construction of the Palms and other developments along the Dubai coastline has involved the loss of traditional fishing grounds and no commercial fishing is currently permitted at Nakheel developments. According to Lootah the company is confident that the implementation of a sustainably managed Human-made Reef Project will enhance fisheries resources and improve habitat for reef fishes in Dubai waters.
