Artificial Reefs Dropped Into Sea to Facilitate Fish Breeding in Coastal Region

To increase breeding of fish in the sea artificial reefs will be dropped into the sea at 56 spots in the coastal line of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. When these artificial reefs are put in definite spots in the sea, the breeding of fish increases. Hence, the catch of fish also increases considerably.

Neighbouring states Tamil Nadu and Kerala have already used this technique and have got the benefits. After four to five years of dropping the reefs, the fish quantity increases by leaps and bounds. Already a team of expert of CMFRI has visited the 56 spots and prepared a report on the feasibility of the scheme. Artificial reefs are dropped at a distance of around six nautical miles in the sea. These allow the fishes to take shelter as well as breed below their edges. It is possible to get good results within a year.

In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, 20 spots are identified for the purpose. They are Someshwara, Ullal, Panambur, Baikampady, Hosabettu, Suratkal, Mulky, Sasihithlu in Dakshina Kannada, Hejmady, Padubidri, Tenka Ermalu, Bada Ermalu, Kaup light house, Kodi Kanyana, Manur, Gopady, Marvanthe, Navunda, Beejady and Kesarakodi in Udupi district. Rest 36 spots are identified in the districts of Uttara Kannada. This will help purse seine and traditional fishing.