Artificial reefs to be installed in Rameswaram sea to preserve rare marine species

Tamil Nadu's Fisheries Department will install 26,000 artificial reefs in Rameswaram to protect rare marine species and enhance fish breeding.

To protect rare marine species in the coastal waters of Ramanathapuram district, Fisheries Department is set to install 26,000 artificial reefs.

Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay regions in the Ramanathapuram district naturally houses 117 types of coral reefs. More than 500 species of marine life, including dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles, depend on these coral reefs for survival.

Coral reefs, which serve as both habitats and food sources for fish, in the recent days, have begun to decline due to factors such as illegal harvesting for sale, plastic waste and the use of banned fishing nets.

Researchers warned that if this trend continues, coral reefs could be completely wiped out after the year 2050. Consequently, both Central and State governments are implementing various schemes to protect these disappearing reefs.

In this situation, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has commenced installation of 26,000 artificial reefs to safeguard rare marine life in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay.

Artificial coral reefs being loaded onto a boat at the Pamban Kundukal Deep Sea Fishing Jetty. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement