image credit:-Marineculture.com
The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has embarked on a groundbreaking project leveraging modern technologies for large-scale coral reef cultivation. Led by Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA’s Chairperson, this initiative marks a significant step forward in sustainable environmental practices.
Al Suwaidi emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in enhancing conservation initiatives, spreading environmental awareness, and fostering community engagement. With a focus on leveraging advanced technology, EPAA aims to streamline conservation efforts while ensuring the success and sustainability of environmental projects.
The implementation of this project coincides with the UAE Innovation Month, under the theme “UAE Innovates 2024,” highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering innovation across various sectors, including environmental conservation.
EPAA’s project integrates robotics technology and micro-fragmentation techniques to accelerate coral reef cultivation. Remote-controlled robots (ROVs) are deployed to facilitate large-scale cultivation, optimizing the process and increasing efficiency. These robots enable real-time monitoring of water conditions and collect high-resolution 3D images, providing valuable data for research and assessment purposes.
Central to the project is the creation of specialized coral discs, each containing 8-10 coral pieces equipped with miniature chips and sensors. These sensors monitor water criteria, while the high-resolution laser camera captures 3D images of the coral reefs. The data collected by these sensors and cameras are instantly uploaded to cloud storage, facilitating data analysis and research.
What sets this technology apart is its ability to operate 24/7, thanks to the remote-controlled robots capable of continuous operation. These advanced devices are programmed to affix coral discs to the reef surface at regular intervals, ensuring widespread distribution of coral pieces. Additionally, the robots are equipped with water jets to perform maintenance tasks, ensuring the health and survival of transplanted coral pieces.
The long-term benefits of EPAA’s innovative approach to coral cultivation are manifold. By leveraging robotics technology and micro-fragmentation techniques, EPAA aims to accelerate coral reef restoration efforts, enhance biodiversity conservation, and promote ecosystem resilience. Moreover, the project underscores EPAA’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies to address environmental challenges effectively.
EPAA’s adoption of innovative technologies in coral cultivation represents a paradigm shift in conservation efforts. By harnessing the power of robotics and advanced sensors, EPAA is paving the way for sustainable environmental practices and safeguarding the future of coral reefs for generations to come.
