Mumbai set to witness first installation of 210 artificial reefs | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    Mumbai set to witness first installation of 210 artificial reefs

    Posted 06 Apr 2024

    2 min read

    • Artificial reefs will be deployed in the Arabian Sea, near Worli Koliwada.

     

    • About Artificial reefs
      • These are engineering technology interventions are used to rehabilitate and/ or improve natural habitats.
        • These are placed on the seabed with a fixed scientific design and functions as a self-sustaining production system.
      • They mimic characteristics of a natural reef.
        • Natural reef is a ridge of material at or near the surface of the ocean, made of rocks or the skeletons of small animals called corals.
      • Materials used: Rocks, cinder blocks, wood, old tires, limestone, steel, and concrete.

     

    • Benefits of Artificial reefs
      • Marine Habitat Restoration and Biodiversity Enhancement: Providing firm substrates for Corals, algae and plankton etc.
        • It also acts as a carbon sink and also helps in nutrient recycling, maintenance of water quality and waste management.
      • Development of Fisheries: Aggregates fish and provide nursery grounds for fish resulting in increase in catch rates saving fuel and energy costs. 
        • Also, enhance recreational fisheries such as snorkelling. 
      • Other: Reduces wave damage on coasts and restricts bottom trawling, promotes eco-tourism etc. 

     

    Key Initiative

    • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
      • Department of Fisheries promotes artificial reef units for coastal states as a sub-activity under “Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages'' of the scheme. 
      • It is implemented with support from Fishery Survey of India and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. 
    • Tags :
    • Artificial Reef
    • PM matasya yojana
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