Bhatkal: To enhance fish growth in the Arabian Sea off Uttara kannada and Udupi districts, a plan has been implemented to deploy special types of artificial reefs. The Fisheries Minister Mankal Vaidya initiated the first phase of this project on Saturday in Belke, Bhatkal.

Recent years have seen an increase in unscientific fishing methods in the deep sea, including the use of strong lights and bull trawling, leading to fish shortage in the country. This project aims to assist fishermen using traditional methods by encouraging fish to migrate from the deep sea to shallower waters for breeding, following the installation of artificial reefs. This initiative is expected to increase the fish population.

Fisheries Minister Mankal Vaidya mentioned that the state government has introduced this scheme in response to the hardships faced by fishermen with traditional boats. The project has already proven successful in Tamil Nadu.

Bipin Bhupanna, Joint Director of the Fisheries Department, stated that with state government support, the department plans to deploy artificial reefs at 25 locations in Uttara kannada and 31 in Udupi district, around 4 to 5 nautical miles offshore. The project will cost ₹17 crore, with each reef weighing between 400 to 500 kg and being placed in sandy seabed areas using cranes.