The Abu Dhabi government hopes to soon begin bluefin tuna culture, using advanced technological support from a top Japanese university, officials have disclosed.
The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) inked an agreement with Japan's Kinki University to cooperate in the fields of aquaculture research and development.
A feasibility study on setting up a farm using closed re-circulating aquaculture systems will be prepared in September, with the hopes of launching a pilot project, officials told Gulf News.
While technological aspects and expertise will be the responsibility of the university, EAD will be in charge of the logistical and financial aspects of the project.
“Aquaculture will help us alleviate stress on natural fish stocks and improve food security in the Emirate,” Majid Al Mansouri, secretary general of EAD said.
“We recognise the importance of aquaculture in the development of fish production and the establishment of an environmentally sustainable stock,” he added.
The university has been researching the cultivation of Pacific bluefin tuna since the 1970s, and has perfected its techniques over the years, he said.
The agreement was signed by Al Mansouri, and Hiroshige Seko, vice president of Kinki University.
“Kinki University is a renowned academic research centre in aquaculture. [It's] the only institution worldwide to have succeeded in farming bluefin from eggs to market size,” said Thabit Al Abdul Salam, director of Biodiversity Sector, Marine Environment at EAD.
(Source: Samudra Newsbrief)
