As the fishing industry faces mounting pressures worldwide, aquafarming emerges as a potential sustainable solution. Fisheries conservation expert Prof Michel Kaiser suggests that the UAE could pioneer a unique approach by establishing underground aquafarming facilities to mitigate the impact of the country’s extreme climate.
Prof Kaiser, Chief Scientist and Professor of Fisheries Conservation at Heriot-Watt University, proposes harnessing abundant sunlight for energy-intensive aquafarms, making them sustainable using solar power. He envisions moving marine species production onto land and utilizing underground facilities to regulate temperature, given the energy-intensive nature of such operations. The vast desert lands away from coastal areas provide ample space for these innovative facilities.
While the UAE already has an aquaculture sector, including companies like Al Jaraf Fisheries and Fish Farm, Prof Kaiser’s vision aligns with addressing environmental concerns associated with overfishing. Research indicates that the Arabian Gulf and UAE’s east coast waters are among the most at risk globally.
With the UAE’s average per capita annual fish consumption exceeding the global average and the population continuing to grow, aquafarming could play a crucial role in meeting demand sustainably. Prof Kaiser emphasizes the potential of aquaculture not only in providing food but also contributing to marine species conservation through the rearing and releasing of fish.
The upcoming ‘What will we eat?’ summit at Expo 2020 Dubai will feature discussions on sustainable food production, with Prof Kaiser participating in a panel on ‘How to feed the world without destroying the planet.’ The summit aims to explore innovative solutions to global food challenges.