Mangaluru: Activists have suggested construction of an artificial reef in coastal Karnataka to help breed marine life and also boost tourism.
Karnataka has a coastal stretch of about 320 kms from Talapady to Karwar. Fishing is one of the major activities in the three coastal districts which not only provides marine products but also earns foreign exchange for the country. With increase in fishing activity, activists feel there is a need to give importance to fish breeding by implementing projects like creation of an artificial reef .
An artificial reef is a man-made underwater structure that will help in promoting and breeding marine life. It will also help in controlling erosion.
“An artificial reef in the sea, about one to one and a half kms off shore would be quite helpful as it will work as a breeding place for marine life which is very important,” opines activist and former president of Mogaveera Vyavasthapana Mandali Yathish Bykampady. He feels that artificial reefs should be constructed by using stones or other non harmful and non polluting material. He says even sunken ship and boats could be used for this.
“An artificial reef would be a good breeding place for fish and marine life. It will help traditional and mechanised fishermen. Fishermen who depend on traditional boats and small nets, will be able to get fish throughout the year in this place,” he says.
“Mechanized boats do fishing even near the shore which harms the catch of traditional fishermen. Mechanized boats will not come near the artificial reefs as it would damage the nets. However the artificial reef would help even mechanized boats as the marine life that breed here would move towards the deep sea. Thus both traditional and mechanized boats would benefit,” he said, adding the reef will also help promote tourism.
“Once the place becomes a breeding place for marine life, tourism can be a value addition. Activities like scuba diving could be started,” he adds.
