Abu Dhabi, October 2025 — Abu Dhabi is setting a new global benchmark in ocean conservation, blending science, innovation, and sustainability through advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), environmental DNA (eDNA), and drones to monitor, protect, and restore marine ecosystems.
Facing increasing pressures on its coastal and marine environment — from habitat loss and pollution to climate change and rising sea levels — Abu Dhabi has launched a series of pioneering initiatives led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), including the Blue Carbon Project, AI Sea-Cage Aquaculture Project, and the Jaywun Research Vessel.
🌿 Blue Carbon Project
The Blue Carbon Project focuses on conserving mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems that capture and store carbon, helping mitigate climate change. Using AI and eDNA, EAD has improved monitoring of 3,500 dugongs and 7,900 sea turtles, achieving a dramatic increase in the sustainable fishing index from 8.9% in 2018 to 97.4% in 2024. Drone-based mapping has further enhanced mangrove restoration efforts, planting thousands of seedlings with unprecedented precision.
🐟 AI Sea-Cage Aquaculture Project
This first-of-its-kind initiative combines floating aquaculture cages with AI-powered monitoring systems to produce 100 tonnes of fish annually, while reducing pressure on wild fisheries. Environmental sensors track water quality in real time, ensuring sustainable practices that support food security and investment in the blue economy.
🚢 Jaywun Research Vessel
The 50-meter Jaywun vessel — the most advanced research ship in the Middle East — is equipped with six laboratories and cutting-edge monitoring systems, including underwater drones and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). It enables comprehensive studies of fish stocks, coral reefs, seagrass, and the impacts of climate change, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for marine science and innovation.
🌍 A Global Model for the Future
Abu Dhabi’s technology-driven conservation approach demonstrates that protecting the ocean can be proactive, data-driven, and scalable. Its model offers a blueprint for coastal nations seeking to balance development with ecological resilience — proving that science and sustainability can work hand in hand to secure a healthier planet for future generations.
