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Sea Ranching Project
Context:
The State Fisheries Department in Thiruvananthapuram has launched a sea ranching project as a follow-up to the artificial reef initiative.
- This project, part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aims to replenish natural fish stocks and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Artificial reefs are man-made structures designed to provide habitat for marine life, particularly in areas where natural reefs are lacking or degraded. While they cannot fully replicate the complex functions of natural coral reefs, they offer significant ecological benefits. These structures provide essential shelter, promote reproductive spaces, and support biodiversity by fostering the growth of marine plants and organisms.
Key Highlights:
- Release of Pompano Fingerlings: 20,000 pompano (Trachinotus blochii) fingerlings were released into the sea off Vizhinjam on Wednesday as part of an artificial reef project to promote sustainable fishing.
- Fingerling Details: The fingerlings released were between 8 to 10 grams in size and were released from two small fishing vessels at the coordinates of the artificial reef.
- Stocking and Rearing: The 10 lakh pompano and cobia fry were stocked and reared at the Ayiramthengu fish farm of the Agency for Development of Aquaculture Kerala (ADAK).
About Project:
- The project was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Fisheries aboard a Coast Guard vessel at sea, with Kerala Fisheries Minister and senior officials present.
- The project aimed at releasing 10 lakh pompano and cobia (Motha) fingerlings at 10 locations along the Thiruvananthapuram coast, with 1 lakh fingerlings at each location.
- Artificial Reefs: A total of 42 artificial reef locations have been created off 33 fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district, consisting of 150 reef modules in various shapes (triangular, flower, and pipe-shaped modules).
- These reefs have already attracted a variety of fish, including tuna, trevally, and mackerel.
- Funding: The ₹3-crore PMMSY scheme for sea ranching was approved by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in March 2024.
- Community Involvement: The project involves local fishing communities, the coast guard, and the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation Ltd. (KSCADC).
- The initiative is expected to improve fish availability and enhance the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.
Future Expansion Plans:
- The Fisheries department is awaiting Central government approval to extend the artificial reef project beyond Thiruvananthapuram district.
- Phase II plans to extend the project to 96 villages in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts at a cost of ₹29.76 crore.
- Phase III aims to cover 96 villages in northern districts (Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod) at an estimated cost of ₹25.82 crore.
