Latest news with #ArtificialReefDockingProgramme
Barnama
06-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
RM2.4 Million Allocated For Artificial Reef Deployment In Six States
PASIR PUTEH, July 6 (Bernama) – The Malaysian Fisheries Department has allocated RM2.4 million this year for the deployment of 74 artificial reefs across six states as part of its ongoing marine conservation efforts. Deputy director-general of Malaysian Fisheries (Development), Datuk Azahari Othman said the states involved are Kedah, Perak, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. He said artificial reef initiatives are a key strategy in marine conservation with direct benefits to both the fishing community and the ecosystem, ultimately boosting national seafood production. 'According to a 2020 study by the Southeast Asian Marine Resources Institute (ISMAT), a single artificial reef structure supports an estimated fish biomass of 129 kilogrammes. The overall economic value of the 74 reefs deployed this year is estimated at RM6.2 million. "Fishermen have reported encouraging results, with some experiencing up to a 90 per cent increase in catch due to the artificial reef programme," he said at the Artificial Reef Docking Programme held in Tok Bali waters here today. Azahari said 12 artificial reef structures have been deployed in Kelantan this year alone. Each unit, made of reinforced concrete, weighs 15 tonnes and measures 2.6 metres high by 2.5 metres in width and length. Since 2007, a total of 312 artificial reef units have been deployed in Kelantan waters, covering the districts of Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Bachok and Pasir Puteh, with a cumulative investment of RM6.26 million. The types of reefs used include soft-base reefs, soft-base reefs with trawl net barriers, recreational reefs, and steel reefs. These are classified into two categories, conservation reefs and recreational reefs. 'Conservation reefs are designed to protect and support marine life within Marine Park areas, while recreational reefs support regulated fishing activities outside the parks,' he added
The Sun
06-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
RM2.4m artificial reefs boost marine life in six Malaysian states
PASIR PUTEH: The Malaysian Fisheries Department has set aside RM2.4 million this year to deploy 74 artificial reefs across six states as part of its marine conservation strategy. The initiative aims to enhance fish populations and support local fishing communities while strengthening the marine ecosystem. Datuk Azahari Othman, Deputy Director-General of Malaysian Fisheries (Development), confirmed the states involved are Kedah, Perak, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. He highlighted the dual benefits of artificial reefs, stating they not only conserve marine biodiversity but also increase seafood production. A 2020 study by the Southeast Asian Marine Resources Institute (ISMAT) found that each artificial reef structure supports approximately 129 kilogrammes of fish biomass. With 74 reefs deployed this year, the total economic impact is estimated at RM6.2 million. Fishermen have reported significant improvements, with some experiencing up to a 90 per cent increase in catch volumes. 'The artificial reef programme has shown encouraging results for both marine life and fishing communities,' Azahari said during the Artificial Reef Docking Programme in Tok Bali waters. In Kelantan alone, 12 artificial reef units have been installed this year. Each structure, made of reinforced concrete, weighs 15 tonnes and measures 2.6 metres in height and 2.5 metres in width and length. Since 2007, Kelantan has received 312 reef units across Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Bachok, and Pasir Puteh, with a total investment of RM6.26 million. The reefs are categorised into conservation and recreational types. Conservation reefs protect marine life within Marine Park areas, while recreational reefs facilitate regulated fishing outside these zones. Different designs include soft-base reefs, trawl net barriers, and steel reefs, each serving specific ecological and economic purposes. - Bernama
