Monitoring Desk
ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi has officially launched an advanced marine research vessel with a mission to observe sea life and help combat the impacts of climate change in the Gulf, Arab media reported on Friday.
Chairman Emirate Environment Agency (EAD) Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has formally launched ‘Jaywun’, a 50-meter vessel today. ‘Jaywun’ can be crewed by 30 persons, and is equipped with six laboratories and a remotely operated submersible.
The advanced marine, which is a reference to a valuable pearl, will perform its operation in the UAE’s territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, enabling EAD to study the environment and fisheries in the sea.
Climate Change
According to the Emirates News Agency Jaywun will strengthen global marine science while also it will monitor and assess the environment and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
On the occasion, Sheikh Hamdan said that the research will be conducted by a specialized team of environmental experts who will utilize their collective knowledge and work to develop a good understanding of the marine environment and develop a response to threats.
He said that the new research will provide a firm scientific foundation to manage the marine environment. Jaywun will also enable Emirate Environment Agency to monitor and reserve fish stocks and marine biodiversity.
The advanced marine research vessel will also support various environmental steps, such as the Blue Carbon Assessment Project for Oceanic Fisheries – the first such survey in the Gulf which will support the United Arab Emirate’s target to be carbon neutral by 2050.
On the occasion, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al-Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD said that the vessel will play a key role in developing management plans and strategies to make sure the recovery and sustainability of fish stocks.
