- The Kerala Fisheries Department launched a sea ranching project as a follow-up to the artificial reef initiative to replenish marine fishery resources and promote sustainable fishing practices off the Vizhinjam coast.
- Sea Ranching/ Ocean Ranching releases fingerlings raised in controlled environments to replenish oceanic and lacustrine ecosystems.
- Varied species, including oysters, mussels, carp, trout, and tilapia, are grown in hatcheries and released into natural water to mature in their native habitats.
- Pompanos (Trachinotus blochii) and cobia (Motha) fingerlings at 10 designated locations along the Thiruvananthapuram coast.
- Funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with ₹3 crore sanctioned by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
| Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Aims for Blue Revolution through sustainable development of India’s fisheries sector with an investment of ₹20,050 crore (2020–2025). It is an umbrella scheme with the Central Sector Scheme (CS) and (b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). To enhance fish production by 2024–25 and double exports to ₹1 lakh crore. Focus on aquaculture productivity, reducing post-harvest losses to 10%. Promote high-value species, traceability, and innovative technologies like biofloc and aquaponics. Insurance for fishing vessels and livelihood support during fishing bans. Activities include fishing harbours, Aquaparks, and coastal fishing villages. |
Artificial Reefs
- As per FAO, Artificial reefs are engineering technology interventions used to rehabilitate and/or improve natural habitats, increase productivity and manage aquatic resources including habitat enhancement.
- Similar to natural reefs, artificial reefs are used for aggregating fish and provide a home for fish to live and grow, reducing wave damage on coasts.
- Provide a firm substrate for marine life such as corals, algae and plankton to attach to and grow.
- Artificial reef structures restrict bottom trawling in the near shore areas.
Dig Deeper: Read about the National Fisheries Development Board.
