The fishermen of Karnataka’s seacoast are witnessing a magical metamorphosis as new types of reefs and deep-sea robots are introduced to enhance fish breeding and safeguard local fishermen interests. Minister of Fisheries Mankal S Vaidya and Director of the Department of Fisheries Dinesh Kumar Kallera will be at the forefront of this awesome development, which is scheduled to commence this weekend in Belake and Bhatkal.
This project, the first of its kind in India, involves Deep-sea robots equipped with 4K cameras which are used to track the progress as the inhabitants of the artificial reefs grow. These robots will deliver pictures and videos of the deep sea in detailed ways which other traditional procedures cannot do and give valuable firsthand pictures of the underwater world to us. Furthermore, this project is supported by sea ranching activities carried out by freeing small-size fish close to the reefs, thus decreasing the marine populations.
In addition to its ecological role, the construction would improve tourism in the location by activating various activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and others. The first phase of this initiative is being funded by the centre and the state governments together in a 50:50 ratio and the entailing expenditure of Rs 17.3 crore has been done for the PM Matsya Sampada Scheme, which points to the importance given to the sustainability of marine ambience by the Union Government. Basavaraju MD KRIDL says the project will be completed within four month’s time after which residents and visitors of the town would find a clean, blue ocean rich with marine life. Dr. Joe K Kizhakudan, who is the senior scientific officer of ICAR Central Marine Fishery National Research Institute, demonstrates how artificial reefs are good for retaining fishes and reveling in her diversified marine life.
Local communities and environmental enthusiasts have witnessed this project as it turns out to be a world-class landmark project coming to Karnataka. Their enthusiasm and excitement in real-time feels amazing. The application of deep-sea robots embodies a new field of marine conservation in the country of India, providing hope for the future of fisheries and sustainable living among coastal areas which hinge on conservation.
