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Cemented Artificial Reefs: A Viable Solution for Reviving Aquatic Life
Context:
In February 2024, a groundbreaking environmental initiative unfolded in Chilika Lake, Odisha, where scientists and engineers introduced 100 artificial reefs to restore and enhance local aquatic ecosystems.
More on News:
- Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water ecosystem, has faced declining fish catches and biodiversity losses due to overfishing and environmental impacts such as storm surge from cyclones.
- The artificial reef project began in March 2023, with 40 structures submerged in September 2023 and the remaining 60 in February 2024.
- The reefs span a 200-metre-long wall over 0.5 square kilometres.
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:
- The artificial reefs near Satapada are designed to create new habitats for juvenile crabs, prawns, and fish. Made from cement, aggregates, and crushed sea shells from local sources like Puri Beach.
- The material was chosen for its durability and resistance to saltwater.
- Local fishermen have been involved in the construction and submersion of these reefs, highlighting the project’s community engagement and its potential to boost local fisheries.
- The project team monitors the reefs to observe how marine life colonises them. Initial signs are promising, with various species already attaching to the reefs and creating new ecological niches.
Global Efforts:
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Marine Fisheries Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) initiated artificial reef experiments in Lakshadweep and Tuticorin in the 1990s.
- Other Indian Efforts: In Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Tamil Nadu has several artificial reef modules that have become popular fishing sites.
- In January 2024, Kerala announced a plan to deploy 6,300 artificial reefs under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
- Global Practices: Artificial reefs are used worldwide, including in the US, Japan, France, China, Korea, and Australia.
- Examples include:
- US: Redbird Reef in Delaware with 2 million tonnes of rock, concrete, and various retired objects.
- Japan: A long history of using stones to enhance seaweed productivity, with a national reef program launched in 1976.
