The Bengal government has taken up a pilot project to deploy artificial reefs deep in the Bay of Bengal under its jurisdiction to promote sustainable fishing and improve the livelihood of marginal fishermen.

The artificial reef attracts fish and creates a fish habitat.

An artificial reef is a manmade fish aggregating structure similar to the characteristics of a natural reef — a ridge of materials, like rocks or corals located at or near the surface of the ocean. This in turn helps sustainable fishing and livelihood development of the fishermen.

The scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, which is aimed at bringing blue revolution through sustainable and responsible fishing, was first implemented in Tamil Nadu.

To begin with, in Bengal, 70 reefs, each 5ft high and made of reinforced cement concrete, will be deployed by the next month by the state fisheries department in Diamond Harbour and Contain Zone.

“Each of the artificial reefs will be weighing around 200kg. Growth of fishing habitat and corals around these reefs will be monitored during a period of about 12 months when no fishing will be allowed,” said assistant director of fisheries (Diamond Harbour) Piyal Sardar said.

Around 40 artificial reefs will be laid in the Diamond Harbour zone of the sea, whereas in Contai, 30 reefs will be erected in a pollution-free zone, Sardar said.