In the last five years, Gujarat’s coastal waters have witnessed a significant decline in fish population. This alarming trend is largely attributed to escalating fishing and rampant industrialisation along the coastline. As a result, the natural habitats of various fish species have been severely disrupted.
A fisheries department source said, “In 2017-18, fish production was over 7 lakh metric tonnes, which dropped to 6.88 lakh in 2021-22.”
In response to this crisis, both the central and state governments have embarked on an ambitious project to construct artificial reefs. These man-made structures, planned at 25 different sites across Gujarat’s sea region, aim to rejuvenate fish populations. Located three to seven nautical miles from the shore, these reefs are seen as a potential boost to the region’s tourism in the future. Around a dozen designs have been selected for the artificial reefs, closely mimicking natural fish habitats. These structures will provide a safe environment for small fish to thrive.
Reviving marine life under PMMSY
A key support comes from the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY). “Under PMMSY, these artificial reefs will be created over the next couple of years, potentially transforming the coastal areas into vibrant tourist destinations,” revealed a source from the fisheries department. Gujarat boasts the longest coastline in India, stretching over 1,600 km. Despite this, the fisheries department has observed a steady decline in fish production over the past five years. Currently, the region is home to over 30 fish species.
Efforts to counter declining fish numbers
Nitin Sangwan, Director of the Fisheries Department, acknowledges the issue. “To counter this decline, the PMMSY will facilitate the creation of artificial reefs at 25 locations along Gujarat’s coastline. These will serve as breeding grounds and habitats for various fish species,” he explained. He further added, “This project, jointly funded by the central and state governments, will see an investment of around Rs 786 lakh over the next two years.
Potential areas for the project include coastal zones like Gir Somnath, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli (Jaffrabad), Junagadh, and Kutch-Bhuj.”
The department has already earmarked several sites for these cement-based artificial reefs, expected to be completed within two years. These structures are designed to foster the growth of small fish populations by providing them with a suitable habitat.