Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries launched a pilot project of depositing artificial reefs in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.
About the project:
- Aim: To create an artificial habitat on the seafloor, creating favorable conditions for fish breeding and their sustainable survival.
- Nodal Agency: Union Ministry of Fisheries
- Implementing Partners: A joint initiative is being implemented by Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana with technical assistance provided by Centre Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
Artificial Reef Technology:
- Artificial reefs are human-built sheltered structures placed on the seabed as an alternative to natural habitats.
- With a proper scientific design, it functions as a self-sustaining production system.
- Deployment: CMFRI has deployed the technology on an experimental basis in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala.
Outcome:
- Increased fish production to small-scale fishers at low operation costs.
- Will discourage bottom trawling in the shore areas which helps the marine environment and small-scale fishers.
About Natural Reef:
- A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals.
- Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps built by calcium carbonate.
- It is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, supporting various marine life.
- They are also important to humans which help coastal protection, food, and income from tourism and fisheries.
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: A scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector including the welfare of fishers.
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMRI): It is a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare.
- Mandate: To asses and monitor the marine fisheries resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) including the anthropogenic activity, climate and develop sustainable fishery management plans.