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The Emirates News Agency reported that Majra co-hosted the Fisheries Impact Lab with Seafood Souq at Al Jubail Restaurant 1441 in Sharjah. The event drew key voices from the UAE seafood sector along with government officials, industry representatives and researchers. Participants shared diverse perspectives on the role of fisheries within the wider ecosystem while identifying critical challenges and exploring opportunities for collaborative action. Representatives from the Fujairah Cooperative Association for Fishermen also took part in the session.
A 2025 review of the UAE fisheries industry documented a continued decline in total catch from 78,000 tons in 2017 to 68,000 tons in 2022. The assessment found that 13 commercial species accounted for 80 percent of the catch and 88 percent of revenue. Ineffective enforcement of fishing regulations and insufficient sustainable practices were listed among the leading factors behind falling stocks.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi reported that sustainable exploitation of fish stocks rose from 8.9 percent in 2018 to 69.1 percent in 2022. Its latest figures show that more than 97 percent of landings in the emirate came from sustainably exploited stocks in 2024. The Abu Dhabi fisheries and aquaculture sector produced 1,861 tonnes of seafood valued at AED 42 million that year while directly employing 2,041 people.
According to the National Framework Statement for Sustainable Fisheries Management, the UAE is working to establish a more effective statistics system for the sector. The Sharjah Impact Lab aligns with these national objectives by fostering dialogue across public and private entities. Discussions at the event examined how improved coordination could support long-term viability of fisheries resources.
Social media posts from Seafood Souq stated that the gathering highlighted both opportunities and obstacles in the seafood supply chain. The co-host emphasised the value of bringing regulators, operators and experts together in one forum. Such platforms allow for direct exchange on practical steps toward enhanced sustainability standards.
Majra has hosted multiple Impact Lab sessions in recent years to address CSR and environmental priorities across different fields. The fisheries edition in Sharjah forms part of this wider programme. The National CSR Fund continues to organise similar gatherings to promote informed policymaking and industry collaboration.
