Rameswaram (TN) (PTI): Artificial coral reefs set up in 11 coastal localities in Tamil Nadu by the Central Marine Research Institute (CMRI) would dramatically improve inshore fish population, according to a top scientist.

Dr Mohammed Kasim, Principal Scientist at CMRI, said the project was taken up nine months ago as too much fishing activity, coupled with environmental degradation and change in climate, affected delicate fish resources in inshore waters.

"There was a need to increase fish resource potential inshore as 90 per cent of boats fish in such areas," he said.

He said the 210 reefs put up in these areas were three dimensional in structure. As the reefs provide shelter to the fish, they gather in large numbers. Sea algae, their main food and certain types of worms around the reef provide ideal breeding conditions, he said.

With the 'abundant increase' in biological resources around the reef, fish lay millions of eggs.The spawn would also serve as food for other organisms, he said.

"The results are fantastic in the nine months since the project was developed. The seven member research team is satisfied with the biological maturation of the reef. The environment around the area also has improved and data is being collected constantly around the reefs," he said.

Dr Kasim said that the number of scuttle fish, crab and Squiez -- all edible varieties - had increased at Villundi and 'Devil's Point' in Rameswaram after installation of these artificial coral reefs.

Fishermen would now get sufficient fish in Indian shores and there was no need for them to go near Sri Lankan waters, he said, adding that the project would benefit fishermen in the coastal villages in Tuticorin, Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Pudukottai.

The president of the mechanised boat owners association, Anthony Raj, said the development of artificial reefs would be a boon for coastal fishermen in Ramanathapuram district.

The Assistant director of fisheries, Velpandian has suggested that more artificial reefs be developed in the district.