EAD executes region's first freshwater oyster pearl aquaculture project
Abu Dhabi's First Freshwater Pearl Oyster Project
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the region's first freshwater pearl oyster aquaculture project in Al Faya. This initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Aquaculture Policy and aims to enhance the emirate's leadership in sustainable pearl oyster farming.
Project Details
The project is an extension of the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre in Mirfa, established in 2007. It includes a 10-unit indoor aquaculture facility capable of producing 10,000 oysters annually, along with a quarantine section and research facilities. So far, approximately 8,500 freshwater oysters have been produced.
Leadership and Innovation
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, highlighted that the Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre is the first in the Middle East to culture freshwater oyster pearls. The project supports research in sustainable oyster farming and aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position in this field.
Dr. Al Dhaheri noted the success in culturing local pearl oysters and the expansion to include new types, such as freshwater oysters, with a production goal of 10,000 oysters by the end of 2024.
Sustainability Efforts
The project incorporates sustainability principles, reusing water from farming units for irrigation, thus promoting environmental conservation. It cultures Chinese and Indian oyster species, each producing 15 to 20 pearls of various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Doubts Revealed
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East. It is known for its modern architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Freshwater Pearl Oyster
Freshwater pearl oysters are a type of shellfish that live in freshwater environments like rivers and lakes. They can produce pearls, which are beautiful and valuable gems.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is a government organization responsible for protecting and improving the environment. In Abu Dhabi, it works on projects to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the practice of farming fish, shellfish, and other aquatic animals and plants. It is like agriculture, but it takes place in water instead of on land.
Sustainable Aquaculture Policy
A sustainable aquaculture policy is a set of rules and guidelines to ensure that aquaculture practices do not harm the environment and can continue for a long time without depleting resources.
Al Faya
Al Faya is a region in Abu Dhabi where the freshwater pearl oyster project is located. It is part of the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre
The Abu Dhabi Pearls Centre is a facility dedicated to the study and production of pearls in Abu Dhabi. It helps in promoting the pearl industry in the region.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri is a prominent figure in Abu Dhabi's environmental sector. She plays a key role in promoting sustainable practices and projects.
Sustainability
Sustainability means using resources in a way that does not harm the environment and ensures that they are available for future generations. It involves practices that are eco-friendly and long-lasting.
Irrigation
Irrigation is the process of supplying water to land or crops to help them grow. In this project, water used for oyster farming is reused for irrigation, which is a sustainable practice.
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