Panaji: The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula,will collaborate with the Odisha fisheries department to develop artificial reefs along the Odisha coast. This innovative endeavour is part of the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme and will cost approximately Rs 29 crore.
Under the PMMSY scheme, the NIO scientists will create environments that mimic natural reefs, fostering marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable fisheries.
One of the key aspects of this project is the translocation of the reef to ensure that it becomes a thriving habitat for diverse marine species. By recreating the conditions conducive to biodiversity, the project is expected to contribute significantly to the enhancement of marine ecosystems along the Odisha coast.
“Odisha has a 485-km coastline and the PMMSY scheme will help increase fishermen’s income. They want to increase the total production of marine fisheries and exports so they are emphasising on the development of artificial reefs to increase the catch. As knowledge partners, we will provide all assistance to help them achieve this objective,” said NIO director Sunil Kumar Singh.
The project’s success is based on a multi-disciplinary scientific approach to design and implement artificial reefs that closely resemble natural habitats. The implementation of this project will likely serve as a model for sustainable development in coastal regions.
The project offers valuable insights into the potential of artificial reefs to foster biodiversity and ensure the long-term health of India’s coastal waters.
Under the PMMSY scheme, the NIO scientists will create environments that mimic natural reefs, fostering marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable fisheries.
One of the key aspects of this project is the translocation of the reef to ensure that it becomes a thriving habitat for diverse marine species. By recreating the conditions conducive to biodiversity, the project is expected to contribute significantly to the enhancement of marine ecosystems along the Odisha coast.
“Odisha has a 485-km coastline and the PMMSY scheme will help increase fishermen’s income. They want to increase the total production of marine fisheries and exports so they are emphasising on the development of artificial reefs to increase the catch. As knowledge partners, we will provide all assistance to help them achieve this objective,” said NIO director Sunil Kumar Singh.
The project’s success is based on a multi-disciplinary scientific approach to design and implement artificial reefs that closely resemble natural habitats. The implementation of this project will likely serve as a model for sustainable development in coastal regions.
The project offers valuable insights into the potential of artificial reefs to foster biodiversity and ensure the long-term health of India’s coastal waters.