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.