The Department of Fisheries is driving sustainable practices with a significant investment of Rs 126 crore in the development of 732 artificial reef units for 10 coastal states. This initiative falls under the “Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages” sub-activity of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The projects are being executed with technical support from the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
All coastal states have completed their site selection process, while Kerala and Maharashtra have concluded the tendering process for project execution. The timeline for project completion is set for January 2024. The installation of artificial reefs and sea ranching programs is expected to rejuvenate coastal fisheries and bolster fish stocks.
Key Benefits of Artificial Reefs:
- Enhanced Catch Rates: Artificial reefs serve as aggregation points for fish, mirroring natural reef habitats. This leads to a two to three-fold increase in catch rates, resulting in fuel and energy savings for fishermen.
- Habitat Restoration: These structures provide a stable substrate for marine life, including corals, algae, and plankton. They encourage sea ranching and serve as crucial spawning and nursery grounds for fish.
- Eco-Tourism Opportunities: Artificial reefs enhance recreational fisheries, snorkeling, and eco-tourism, creating attractive areas for diving and reducing conflicts among stakeholders.
- Environmental Conservation: These structures discourage bottom trawling in near-shore areas, aiding marine ecosystem regeneration and benefiting small-scale fishers with higher catches.
- Increased Fishing Efficiency: A single artificial reef of 300m3 can support 25-30 non-mechanized boats, improving the livelihoods of coastal communities.
PMMSY, launched in May 2020 with a record investment of Rs. 20,050 crore, aims to usher in a Blue Revolution by promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries development. The initiative addresses challenges such as overfishing, the loss of fishing grounds, and declining incomes in coastal fisheries. Artificial reefs are poised to play a pivotal role in reviving and preserving coastal ecosystems, ultimately benefiting both the environment and fishing communities.