Thiruvananthapuram: A groundbreaking initiative to enhance sustainable fishing and bolster coastal livelihoods through fish seed deposition and the installation of artificial reefs was inaugurated on Wednesday at Vizhinjam North Harbor. Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian, officially launched the project.
The event, presided over by Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, was attended by MP Shashi Tharoor, Mayor Arya Rajendran, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Ports K.S. Srinivas, Fisheries Director Abdul Nasser B., and other notable officials.
The central and state governments aim to deploy artificial reefs across the coastal waters of nine marine districts. In the initial phase, 6,300 artificial reefs have been placed at 42 sites along the Thiruvananthapuram coastline. The project received ₹13.02 crore in funding, shared between the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio.
Furthermore, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has approved ₹3 crore for a sea ranching plan designed to boost fish populations. This involves depositing fish seeds, including pompano and cobia, at a rate of one lakh per reef, totalling 10 lakh seeds across 10 designated artificial reef locations. Juvenile fish weighing between 8 and 10 grams are being released as part of the program.
The project is poised to strengthen fish stocks in the region, ensuring long-term sustainability for the marine ecosystem and offering significant benefits to traditional fishing communities.
