Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister Parshottam Rupala emphasized the potential for increased income among traditional fishermen in Kerala through the installation of artificial reef units along the state’s coastlines. The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying inaugurated the innovative project via video conferencing, which aims to deploy 6,300 artificial reef units across fishing villages in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
The project, a collaboration between the central government under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the State Fisheries Department, is designed to promote sustainable fishing practices, improve the marine landscape, and enhance the livelihoods of fishermen. Saji Cheriyan, Kerala’s Fisheries Minister, presided over the state-level launch and kicked off the project off the coast of Vizhinjam.
Union Minister Rupala highlighted the government’s approval for the installation of artificial reefs in Kerala, coupled with the promotion of sustainable fisheries and livelihoods under the PMMSY, with a total allocation of Rs 302 crore. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, envisions sanctioning artificial reefs in all 3,477 fishing villages along the entire coastline of the country. This initiative aims to fortify fishery productivity and ensure sustainable resource management.
The project’s inauguration marks a significant step towards the development of coastal communities and the promotion of sustainable practices in the fisheries sector. The deployment of artificial reef units is expected to have a positive impact on marine ecosystems, ultimately contributing to the betterment of traditional fishermen’s lives in the region
