In a recent effort to bolster marine resources and foster sustainable fishing practices, twenty-thousand pompano (Trachinotus blochii) fingerlings were released off the coast of Vizhinjam, Kerala as part of an artificial reef and sea ranching project.
Sea Ranching and Artificial Reef Project
- Objective: The primary goal is to restore fishery resources and support sustainable fishing through fingerling release.
- The project involves releasing one million pompano and cobia fingerlings at ten designated locations along the Thiruvananthapuram coastline as a follow up to the Artificial Reef Project.
- Implementation: The initial batch of 20,000 pompano fingerlings was released approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Vizhinjam.
- Additionally, artificial reef modules funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have been deployed across 42 sites in 33 fishing villages within the district.
- Funding and Support: Supported by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the ₹3-crore project received approval in March and is managed by the State Fisheries Department with fingerlings cultivated at the Ayiramthengu Fish Farm.
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About Sea Ranching
- Sea Ranching/ Ocean Ranching is releasing fingerlings raised in controlled environments to replenish oceanic and lacustrine ecosystems, supporting long-term resource availability for fishing communities.
- Purpose: Sea ranching is a government-led approach, focused on restoring fish populations and promoting marine sustainability.
- Species Cultivated: Varied species, including oysters, mussels, carp, trout, and tilapia, are grown in hatcheries and released into natural waters, allowing them to mature in their native habitats.
- Technology Used: Modern ocean ranching relies on sophisticated breeding, rearing, and release technologies developed since the 1970s. These innovations help optimize species survival and integration into the wild.
- Benefits:
- Economic: Replenishes fish stocks, aiding the fishing industry and local economies.
- Social: Provides sustainable income sources for fishing communities.
- Ecological: Supports environmental protection and ecosystem regeneration.
About Artificial Reefs
- Definition: Artificial reefs are human-made structures placed in aquatic environments to improve ecological conditions, providing habitats for marine species and enhancing fishery productivity.
- Uses:
- Restoration: Helps restore ecosystems, including coral reefs.
- Fish Production: Increases fish stocks for small-scale fishers.
- Wave Protection: Helps mitigate coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy.
- Habitat Creation: Provides food, shelter, and breeding grounds for marine species.
- Recreational Benefits: Supports eco-tourism, snorkeling, and recreational fisheries.
- Bottom Trawling Restriction: Deters harmful bottom trawling near shorelines.
- Materials: Reefs are constructed using durable materials like concrete, steel, and purpose-built modules in diverse shapes, such as triangular or floral designs.
- Examples:
- CMFRI Project (India): Aids fish availability while reducing costs for small-scale fishers.
- Dubai Reefs: Utilizes 3D printing to build an extensive artificial reef network.
- Pearl of Dubai: Features an artistic, city-themed reef near Dubai’s coast.
Significance of the Initiative
- This combined sea ranching and artificial reef initiative not only supports marine biodiversity but also enhances local fisheries by increasing fish stocks and establishing stable marine habitats.
- The project aligns with the government’s sustainable development goals, safeguarding marine life and empowering coastal communities through sustainable fishing practices.
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About Silver Pompano
- Overview: The silver pompano, a tropical species also known as the snubnose pompano, is valued for mariculture due to its adaptability and market demand.
- Appearance and Habitat: Characterised by its torpedo-shaped body, the silver pompano inhabits the warm waters (25-29°C) of the Indo-Pacific, particularly around coral and rocky reefs.
- Economic Value: This high-value species fetches ₹300–₹400 per kg in India, supporting local fishers and fish markets.
- Harvesting Practices: Typically caught with drag nets, pompano are immediately chilled to maintain freshness, ensuring quality for the seafood market.
Additional Reading: PM MSY