Artificial Reef (AR):
To promote sustainable practises, the Department of Fisheries has sanctioned 732 artificial reef units for 10 coastal states as a sub-activity under the “Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages” of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
- Artificial Reefs (AR) is a manmade structure that may mimic some of the characteristics of a natural reef.
- These are engineering technology interventions used to rehabilitate and/or improve natural habitats, increase productivity, and manage aquatic resources, including habitat enhancement (FAO, 2015).
- Materials used to construct artificial reefs have included rocks, cinder blocks, and even wood and old tyres, which come in an infinite number of shapes and styles.
- The projects are being implemented with the technical support of the Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
- Advantages of AR:
- It boosts marine biodiversity.
- It encourages fish population growth.
- It reduces pressure on natural reefs.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana:
- It is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country, with an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.
- It aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonnes by 2024-25.
- Increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
- Doubling the incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25%.
