The Kerala project, involving RCC reef modules in 42 Thiruvananthapuram fishing villages, has significantly boosted marine fish breeding and enhanced environmental sustainability in the region
Published Dec 25, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 25, 2024 | 8:00 AM
Andhra Pradesh partners with Kerala to implement artificial reef project for marine biodiversity(Creative Commons)
In a significant step towards enhancing marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable fisheries, the Andhra Pradesh government has partnered with the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) to replicate Kerala’s successful artificial reef model.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday, 24 December, by T Dola Shankar, Director of the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries Department; PI Sheikh Pareeth, Managing Director of KSCADC; and Dr. Joe Kizhakkudan, Principal Scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
As part of the initiative, reinforced cement concrete (RCC) artificial reef modules will be installed at 24 strategic locations along the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
These sites have been approved by the Central Government under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme.
The goal of the project is to restore marine biodiversity, enhance fish habitats, and improve the socio-economic conditions of the local fishing communities.
Officials highlighted that Kerala’s success in deploying artificial reef habitats in the sea served as the inspiration for this collaboration.
The Kerala project, which saw the installation of RCC reef modules in 42 fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district, has led to a significant increase in marine fish breeding and environmental sustainability.
Now, Andhra Pradesh aims to replicate this success with the technical expertise of KSCADC and CMFRI. The installation of the reef modules is set to begin soon, with CMFRI overseeing the process.
This joint initiative is expected to be a key driver in enhancing marine ecosystems along the Andhra Pradesh coast, benefiting both marine life and the fishing community.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
