The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has planned to construct 900 artificial caves across the UAE coastal areas to provide marine life with a safe place for breeding. As a first initiative, the Ministry has placed 150 artificial caves in the Ajman coast.

"These artificial caves are environmentally friendly and are designed to be a haven for fishes. It will provide a proper place for the breeding of the millions of fingerlings produced by the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Marine Research Centre," said Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment who visited Ajman for the launch event.

"Through this initiative, the ministry will help increase the natural fish stock, and bring the fishing areas closer to the fisher men. This will help lighten the financial burden of the fishermen, who face the challenging task of having to travel long distances," Dr. Al Zeyoudi added.

Another 150 will be placed off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, and 600 off Ras Al Khaimah, according to Wam, the state news agency. About 33,000 fingerlings were released by the ministry in RAK?s waters on Tuesday. A total of 210,000 young fish have been released so far this year, reported Al Ittihad, the Arabic-language sister paper of The National.

Dr. Al-Zeyoudi also met fishermen from Ajman and praised the efforts of the Ajman Fishermen Association for reducing the challenges facing fishermen, and supporting the fishing profession to enhance food security through its active efforts to develop the fish stock in the country, which is one of the most important natural resources available.