- Dalma Fish Project is the first in the Middle East to integrate AI in marine cage aquaculture.
- Local fish species like Hamour and Shaari are being sustainably cultivated.
- The initiative supports UAE’s strategy to reduce pressure on overfished species.
Off the coast of Dalma Island, a groundbreaking aquaculture project is reshaping the future of fish farming in the UAE. The Dalma Fish Project, led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has launched a high-tech marine cage system designed to raise local fish species sustainably.
This pioneering approach addresses a pressing ecological concern: overfishing of native marine life. By cultivating key local species—such as Safi, Qabit, Shaari, and Hamour—the project aims to replenish stocks and meet increasing consumer demand for seafood.
Smart Seas: How AI is Fueling the UAE’s Sustainable Aquaculture Vision
The Dalma Fish Project is not just a production facility—it’s also a research hub. The pilot includes six marine cages and serves as a living laboratory to study how environmental factors affect fish health and productivity. The data collected contributes to broader marine conservation goals and helps refine aquaculture practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
Artificial intelligence enhances operational efficiency by integrating advanced environmental sensors and smart surveillance tools. These technologies track variables like dissolved oxygen and ammonia levels, which are critical to maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. In turn, the system can automatically adjust feeding routines and alert managers to any changes that might harm the fish.
The success of the Dalma initiative builds upon a dramatic improvement in Abu Dhabi’s fisheries index, which surged from 8.9% in 2018 to an impressive 97.4% by the end of 2024. This reflects the effectiveness of EAD’s multi-pronged efforts, including habitat protection, fishing regulations, and investment in sustainable food systems such as aquaculture.
Looking ahead, the Environment Agency is planning to expand cage farming to the Sila region in Al Dhafra. Site suitability studies have already been completed, identifying marine zones where aquaculture can thrive without harming local ecosystems. These efforts form part of a broader national policy to enhance the competitiveness and self-reliance of the UAE’s food sector.
The Dalma Fish Project showcases how innovation, science, and sustainability can come together to create a future where food security and marine conservation go hand in hand.
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan
