Abu Dhabi Launches Oyster Habitat Project in Gulf Region

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi has started a special project to bring back old oyster homes in the sea. This is the first time such a project is happening in the Gulf area. It is part of Abu Dhabi’s big plan to fight climate change. The goal is to make the sea cleaner and help sea animals live better. Oysters are small sea animals that make hard shells. When they make their shells, they take in carbon from the sea, which helps the Earth. This also helps the water stay clean and safe for other sea life.

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The agency is making a new map to show where oyster homes used to be. They are using old books, maps, and talking to local fishermen to find these places. So far, they have found 335 old diving spots where people used to collect oysters for pearls. Later, they also found 200 new places where oysters live. After checking 150 places, they picked a place called Umm Al Salsal near Marawah Island to start fixing the oyster homes. This place was used long ago for pearl diving, but now it is not in good shape.

The agency made 64 new reef shapes using oyster shells and safe materials. These shapes were put in the sea to help oysters grow again. About 30 students from schools in Al Marfa helped build these reefs. This was part of a school program to teach children about the sea and nature. The agency will keep checking the place to see if the oysters are growing well and if sea life is coming back.

Mr. Ahmed Al Hashemi, a leader at the agency, said that long ago, before oil was found, the Gulf was famous for pearls. People used to dive to find pearls inside oysters. This was not just a job but a big part of life and culture. But to find one pearl, they had to take thousands of oysters. Now, the agency wants to remember this old way of life, but do it in a kind and smart way that helps nature.

In the future, the agency wants to do this project in more places. They hope to grow more oysters and bring back healthy sea life. They also want to study oysters more and find new ways to help them grow better. This project is not only good for nature, but also helps people learn and keep the old culture alive.