logo
From drones to a high-tech vessel: Abu Dhabi's EAD leads with smart tech in marine conservation

From drones to a high-tech vessel: Abu Dhabi's EAD leads with smart tech in marine conservation

Al Etihad10-05-2025

10 May 2025 08:55
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With autonomous systems and smart technologies, the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) is pioneering a new wave of marine conservation efforts. In an interview with Aletihad , the authority elaborated on a number of breakthrough projects that are underway, from using AI in coastal habitat restoration to deploying a state-of-the-art research vessel to gather invaluable data from the sea. At the centre of EAD's marine innovation is the Jaywun research vessel, the most advanced marine scientific vessel in the Middle East."The Jaywun research vessel, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), represents a significant advancement in marine conservation,' the authority said.Jaywun is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and facilities designed to conduct comprehensive marine studies."One of its notable achievements is the successful completion of the Fisheries Resources Assessment Survey conducted in UAE waters. Over a 108-day voyage, the vessel covered 324 sites and collected over 2,000 samples, providing invaluable data on fish species and their habitats."Jaywun also carried out the UAE's first acoustic survey of marine life, conducted large-scale eDNA and genomic sequencing for fish, and led a 10,000km aerial research expedition from Spain to Abu Dhabi. These initiatives were supported by global collaborations with institutions such as the Max Planck Society and The Cyprus Institute."The Jaywun research vessel directly supports conservation policies and species protection in Abu Dhabi. Equipped with advanced tools, it conducts fisheries assessments, eDNA sequencing, and acoustic surveys that inform fishing regulations and Marine Protected Area (MPA) designations."The vessel includes an onboard lab capable of rescuing and transporting marine animals, while also contributing to research on pollution, water quality, and climate change.
Utilising AI The EAD highlighted the vital role of seagrass meadows, describing them as the ecological backbone of marine biodiversity and climate resilience. These underwater habitats serve as nurseries and shelters for marine life — such as fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates — while also stabilising sediments, reducing coastal erosion, sequestering carbon, and enhancing water quality.The agency continues to lead research and monitoring programmes to assess seagrass health and fine-tune conservation strategies. Among its flagship efforts is the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, which deploys drone and AI technology for precision seeding of mangroves.
"The trials began as far back as 2020 with EAD's partners and have now resulted in the dispersal of more than 9 million seeds in the past two years alone," the authority told Aletihad . To ensure long-term success, EAD is also developing AI systems for restoration monitoring."An AI system is also currently being trialled and developed for monitoring the progress of restoration programmes over time. The key element for ensuring these technologies are successful is to have a thorough testing period that involves ground truthing and field verification grounded in extensive ecological expertise,' it said. Other advanced technologies include a 'Fish AI' system that automates fish identification to support sustainable stock assessments, as well as AI monitoring at Delma Island sea cage farms, enhancing traceability and aquaculture operations. Coral reef monitoring is also being strengthened with platforms like CoralNet and ReefCloud, with future plans to incorporate autonomous underwater vehicles for continuous observation.
Evidence-based Strategy EAD stresses that research is directly integrated into evidence-based policy and planning, helping guide sustainable marine ecosystem management."The agency has extensive monitoring, assessment, conservation and restoration programmes… integrated into evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation," it stated, adding that EAD also works across sectors to "advocate for nature protection and restoration and integrate nature into development plans'.To combat key challenges such as coastal development, climate change, and fish stock depletion, EAD uses a combination of marine protected areas, habitat restoration (corals, mangroves, seagrass), and sustainable fishing practices."Fisheries management is a good example of how Abu Dhabi balances conservation with growth," EAD said."With over 80% of catches from sustainably exploited stocks, we are using science, strict regulations, marine protected areas, and innovative technologies to ensure long-term ecological resilience."The agency's Wildlife Rescue Programme has rescued over 1,400 sea turtles and rehabilitated a dugong named Malqout, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable species."The agency identifies and protects rare plant species in Abu Dhabi's waters through comprehensive marine biodiversity monitoring and research programmes. They conduct regular habitat surveys and assessments to track the presence of these species and implement conservation measures."The EAD also tracks coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and fish stocks using satellite tools and global partnerships to continually adapt its strategies and align with international conservation standards such as the CBD and CMS."Community awareness and education play a crucial role in protecting Abu Dhabi's marine ecosystems by fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices," the EAD said.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to host 7th ASSELLMU Conference
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to host 7th ASSELLMU Conference

Zawya

timea day ago

  • Zawya

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to host 7th ASSELLMU Conference

SUAD to provide a regional platform for advancing sustainability, technology, and legal education in the MENA region Call for Papers now open until 15th July 2025 United Arab Emirates- Abu Dhabi - Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) is delighted to announce that it will host the 7th Scientific Conference of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU) from 9th to 10th February 2026. Held under the theme ' Environmental Law in the Digital Age', the conference will explore how digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies are reshaping the teaching, research, practice, and implementation of environmental law and policy in the MENA region. This edition marks the first time the conference will take place in the UAE, providing a vital forum for educators, university instructors, researchers and practitioners with expertise in environmental law and policy, as well as computer and data science, to collaborate on strengthening legal education and advancing sustainability development. As part of the upcoming conference, SUAD invites scholars, practitioners and educators to submit abstracts that explore the intersection of environmental law and digital innovation, and align with one or more of the conference themes, which include: Teaching and practicing environmental law in the MENA region in the face of the digital transition; The potential of digital technologies to enhance the integration of environmental considerations into business practices; Legal pathways to harness the power of digital technology for sustainability; The regulation of emerging technological risks; and The legal status and regime of environmental data. Submissions can take a regional, national, or comparative perspective, and may be theoretical, empirical, or interdisciplinary in nature. Abstracts are required to be between 500 and 700 words, and include the subject matter, key questions, methodology, and expected outcomes of the proposed paper, along with the author's professional and institutional affiliation details. The deadline for abstract submission is 15th July 2025. Selected authors will be notified by 15th September 2025 and invited to submit full drafts of their papers by 15th December 2025. Revised versions will be presented at the conference, and final papers may be considered for publication in a journal special issue or edited volume. Dr Beatriz Garcia, Associate Professor of Law, Economics, and Management, and Spokesperson for Sustainability at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said: 'We are incredibly proud to host the 7th ASSELLMU Conference at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, marking its first edition in the UAE. This milestone reflects our commitment to advancing sustainability-focused legal education and highlights the importance of the region's voice in shaping global environmental discourse. As environmental challenges become increasingly complex and interconnected, digital transformation and cross-sector legal innovation are no longer optional; they're essential. This conference will serve as a platform for leading scholars, practitioners, and institutions to reimagine the future of environmental law in a way that is both locally grounded and globally informed.' The upcoming 2026 edition builds on the success of previous ASSELLMU conferences hosted in Doha, Settat, Amman, Sohar, and Riyadh, and is expected to attract participation from leading academic institutions, civil society, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders. As the world approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline, ASSELLMU aims to examine how legal systems can adapt to support innovation and environmental protection across sectors including health, energy, water, food, culture and tourism, clean technology, trade, investments, and more. To submit a paper or learn more, please visit For more information and media enquiries: Plus 1 Communications | yara@ About Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was established in May 2006 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, and is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The French Emirati university draws on 760 years of academic excellence from the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. Featuring a state-of-the-art campus that spans 93,000 square meters and located on Al Reem Island, the university provides an inspiring and enriching environment for both students and faculty. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi adheres to the French education system, with degrees awarded by Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité. SUAD programmes are evaluated by the Higher Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) and accredited by the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation (MESR) in France. Furthermore, all programmes are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). To date, more than 2800 students from more than 90 different nationalities have graduated from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Sorbonne Université is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world, holding 41st position in the Shanghai ranking, 4th position for mathematics and 17th for physics in the same ranking. Its law programs are ranked 19th by the Young University ranking. The School of Arts and Humanities at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is recognized as the 1st Humanities Education University by the Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards 2019. For more information about Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi:

Scientists discover unusual atmospheric motion on Saturn's largest moon
Scientists discover unusual atmospheric motion on Saturn's largest moon

Al Etihad

time3 days ago

  • Al Etihad

Scientists discover unusual atmospheric motion on Saturn's largest moon

7 June 2025 09:52 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Scientists at the University of Bristol, UK have observed a strange phenomenon in the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, discovering that its upper atmospheric layers do not remain fixed relative to the surface but instead wobble with the changing seasons.A research team made the discovery after analysing 13 years' worth of infrared data from the Cassini-Huygens mission, a joint venture between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space is the only moon in the Solar System with a significant atmosphere, and one that has long captivated planetary scientists.'The behaviour of Titan's atmospheric tilt is very strange!' said Lucy Wright, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at Bristol's School of Earth Sciences. 'Titan's atmosphere appears to be acting like a gyroscope, stabilising itself in space.'We think some event in the past may have knocked the atmosphere off its spin axis, causing it to wobble. Even more intriguingly, we've found that the size of this tilt changes with Titan's seasons.'The team studied the symmetry of Titan's atmospheric temperature field and found that it isn't centred exactly on the pole, as expected. Instead, it shifts over time, in step with Titan's long seasonal cycle—each year on Titan lasts nearly 30 years on Nick Teanby, co-author and planetary scientist at Bristol said: 'What's puzzling is how the tilt direction remains fixed in space, rather than being influenced by the Sun or Saturn.'That would've given us clues to the cause. Instead, we've got a new mystery on our hands.'This discovery will impact NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission, a drone-like rotorcraft scheduled to arrive at Titan in the 2030s. As Dragonfly descends through the atmosphere, it will be carried by Titan's fast-moving winds—winds that are about 20 times faster than the rotation of the how the atmosphere wobbles with the seasons is crucial for calculating the landing trajectory of Conor Nixon, planetary scientist at NASA Goddard and co-author of the study, added: 'Our work shows that there are still remarkable discoveries to be made in Cassini's archive. This instrument, partly built in the UK, journeyed across the Solar System and continues to give us valuable scientific returns. 'The fact that Titan's atmosphere behaves like a spinning top disconnected from its surface raises fascinating questions—not just for Titan, but for understanding atmospheric physics more broadly, including on Earth.' The team's findings contribute to a growing body of research suggesting Titan is not just Earth-like in appearance but an alien world with climate systems all its own, and many secrets still hidden beneath its golden haze. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi

EWEC to recycle plants to support Abu Dhabi decarbonisation, grid stability
EWEC to recycle plants to support Abu Dhabi decarbonisation, grid stability

Zawya

time5 days ago

  • Zawya

EWEC to recycle plants to support Abu Dhabi decarbonisation, grid stability

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), the sole procurer and supplier of water and electricity in Abu Dhabi, is implementing a strategy to recycle existing power and water plants as part of its broader clean energy transition plan. The approach was detailed by Mark Hedges, EWEC's Executive Director of Asset Management, during a panel discussion at The World Utilities Congress held in Abu Dhabi from 27–29 May 2025. The EWEC executive explained that while clean energy initiatives often focus on innovation and new infrastructure, repurposing existing plants offers a practical pathway toward decarbonisation. 'We're actually converting [old plants] to standby power, but power only. They're running a very small part of the time just to stabilise the grid,' he said. Last month, EWEC extended Shuweihat S1 power and water plant's Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) by 15 years under a plan to decommission its water desalination operations and convert it into a natural gas-fired open-cycle power plant. Commissioned in 2005 with 1.5 gigawatts(GW) of power and 455,000 cubic metres/day (m3/day) of water production capacity, Shuweihat S1 is operated by Sumitomo Corporation in partnership with TAQA and ENGIE. As the first project in the UAE to undergo long-term extension through plant conversion, the reconfigured plant will operate on-demand with a reduced capacity of 1,130 megawatts (MW), contributing to lower CO₂ emissions. According to Hedges, the repurposing strategy offers multiple benefits: Efficiency gains: Redirecting steam from water production to power generation improves overall system efficiency. Cost savings: Recycling avoids the capital expense of building new high-emission plants with 25–30-year life spans, and potentially conflict with the UAE's 2050 net-zero goals. 'We don't really want to commit to a brand-new plant that has a lifetime that's either too long or we have to curtail it… then the cost goes up because you're paying it off over a short period,' he explained. Grid stability: Having standby power capacity enhances the stability and reliability of the grid and accommodate growing share of variable renewable energy. "This recycling of plants, which is a life extension project, is really good for the system,' he said. EWEC's recycling strategy aligns with its commitment to delivering electricity and water through a lower-carbon grid. On the desalination front, the company is shifting towards reverse osmosis (RO) technology for water production, replacing conventional thermal desalination. 'All of our water now is produced by RO osmosis driven by a decarbonising power grid,' Hedges noted. In its Statement of Future Capacity Requirements 2024–2030, EWEC projected that over 7 GW of power and more than 2 million m3/day of water capacity will reach the end of existing contracts by 2037. The company plans to reconfigure and extend plants reaching contract expiry, with contract extensions expected to add nearly 3.5GW of power capacity by 2030, rising to just over 6GW by 2035. (Writing by Rajiv Pillai; Editing by Anoop Menon) (

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store