Artificial Reefs Launched to Boost Fish Stocks off Vizag Coast

In a step towards the marine ecosystem restoration, Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Kinjarapu Atchannaidu launched artificial reefs off the Jalari Yendada coast in Visakhapatnam district on Monday.

- USHA PERI @ Visakhapatnam

These man-made structures aim to restore marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of fishing communities.

As part of the first phase, 22 artificial reef units are being installed in the marine waters of North Andhra. Similar installations are planned in other coastal districts of the state.

The project is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with 60% of the funding from the Union government and the remaining 40% from the State.

Designed in shapes such as triangles, flowers, and large pipes, the concrete reef structures aim to mimic natural habitats by providing shelter and breeding grounds for marine life.