The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute toDay commenced the process of deploying artificial coral reefs off Nagapattinam coast with a view to enhancing fish resources in the district.
CMFRI officials said 400 blocks of artificial reef are being submerged at five places off Nagapattinam coast - Seruthur, Pattinachery, Vellapallam, Chinnagudi and Perumalpettai.
"The reefs are being submerged about three knots off the coast at a total cost of Rs 3.4 crore. They are being transported through barges from Nagapattinam port and operations will be completed in a couple of days," officials said.
Coral reefs play a vital role in fish production. However, due to various reasons, including climate change and pollution, coral reefs have depleted worldwide.
CMFRI has taken up the project to submerge artificial reefs at sensitive locations with a view to enhancing fish production.
