Artificial reefs to be erected along Puducherrys coastline; facilitate fish breeding along the coast

The Central Marine Fisheries Institute (CMFRI), Visakhapatnam, and the Puducherry government have planned to build artificial reefs along the Union Territory's coastline to promote fish reproduction and assist local fishermen in enhancing their standard of living.

An artificial reef is a protected man-made structure that is put on the ocean floor to replace natural ecosystems. It operates as a self-sustaining manufacturing system on the seafloor with a set scientific design.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the project would be carried out at an estimated cost of ₹4.34 crore, with ₹31 lakh allocated for each reef. The Centre will provide all of the project's funding.

The Puducherry coastline is to have 14 artificial reefs built this year, followed by the addition of 25 more the following year. After thereafter, the project will be extended in accordance with U.T. requirements.

As the consultant and principal head-cum-investigator of the national programme on artificial reefs, Joe K. Kizhakudan, principal scientist and Head of CMFRI, Vishakapatnam, states that "CMFRI has been experimenting with artificial reefs in several States and has completed about 131 reefs in Tamil Nadu over the last 15 years." Over 400 reefs have been planned in Tamil Nadu this year as a result of the results, which have already shown to be successful.

On Monday, November 27, 2023, an inspection team led by Mr. Kizhakudan visited the coastal hamlets of Kalapet, Periya Kalapet, Chinna Kalapet, Ganapathychettikulam, and Pillaichavady. They also conducted stakeholder workshops, which served as a forum for informing and involving fishermen about the potential of artificial reefs to change the marine fishing environment in the U.T.

Various models will be built along Puducherry's coastline based on the terrain and ecosystem, according to sources. Reefs will be positioned at certain spots, five nautical miles offshore, where big fishing boats avoid going, and at the wave-breaking zone.

In a stable artificial reef ecosystem, more than 300 species cohabit, according to the CMFRI. Commercial fish species such breams, groupers, snappers, perches, cobia, sea bass, rabbit fish, silver biddies, seer fish, barracuda, mackerel, trevallies, and queen fish may draw attention to the reef.