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This technology helps increase fish production and improve livelihood of small-scale fishers, says CMFRI
Kochi: India’s marine fisheries is on the verge of a transformation, with marine scientists proposing artificial reefs to increase fish production and promote fishermen’s livelihood. Some experts call it a milestone in the sector as the innovative technology creates additional areas as fish habitats. During a brainstorming session held on the sideline of the ongoing symposium on innovations in fishing technologies, scientists from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) said the deployment of artificial reefs (AR) on the sea bed would enhance the growth of marine fauna and flora, and stimulate natural settings for fish production.
Artificial reef is a sheltered human-built structure, submerged on the sea bed as a substitute for natural habitats. Having a fixed scientific design, it functions as a self-sustaining production system on the sea bed.
According to a report presented by the CMFRI during the session, a total of 280 AR sites have been deployed in India’s coastal waters, including 243 in Tamil Nadu and 28 in Kerala.
“The artificial reefs could offer opportunities for a substantial increase in fish catch, especially for small-scale fishers using hook and line. It will help save costs besides offering a lot more environmental benefits such as enhancement of biodiversity, reduction of the carbon footprint of the fishing operation, reduction of wave energy and thereby coastal erosion, and stabilisation of islands”, CMFRI’s report said.
However, the CMFRI maintained the view that only designated sites after studies by competent authority could be used for the deployment. The report was prepared and presented by Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, Dr V V R Suresh and Dr Joe K Kizhakudan, both principal scientists of the institute.
Over 300 species coexist in a settled AR habitat
“Over 300 species coexist in a settled AR habitat. The commercial varieties being attracted to the AR include breams, groupers, snappers, perches, cobia, sea bass, rabbit fishes, silver biddies, seer fish, barracuda, mackerel, trevallies, queen fishes etc.”, said Dr Joe K Kizhakudan who has an experience of one-and-half-decade experimenting with the AR, adding that he was receiving an overwhelming response for the artificial reefs from the fishermen community.
CMFRI has developed protocols for site selection, design, fabrication, deployment and impact assessment of this innovative technology. Scientists are of the view that promoting this technology will empower small and artisanal fishers by improving their income and livelihood. However, further studies and research on identifying and mapping potential areas suitable for the deployment of artificial reefs, and assessing the long-term impact of the AR on fisheries and adjacent habitats.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Fisheries Secretary Jatindra Nath Swain said the artificial reefs and sea ranching present a solution to the crisis prevalent in the sector. Sufficient fish availability could be ensured in the near-shore waters with these technologies, he said. The brainstorming session was organised under the leadership of the CMFRI and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
Experience of experts in the deployment of artificial reefs from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives was also presented at the brainstorming session. Prof. William Seaman from University of Florida, USA; Dr J K Jena, Deputy Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Dr E Vivekanandan; Dr Takuma Sugaya from Japan; and Dr Wantana Chenkitkosol from Thailand also spoke.
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