The first phase of an artificial reef project that is expected to help replenish fish stocks and marine life, is to be launched in October.
The first stage will take up to six months to complete and will be followed by two other phases.
Director General of the Fish Resources Directorate Jassim Al Qasir revealed yesterday that the artificial reefs will be made of concrete and will have various geometric shapes. They are intended to replace dying natural reefs and it is hoped that they will be able to provide a new habitat for declining fish species and different forms of marine life.
In a statement to our sister newspaper Al Ayam, Al Qasir affirmed that following the first phase, the number of artificial reefs will be increased and several of them will be placed on the seabed in different locations.
He added that this initiative comes as part of efforts by the authorities to reverse the negative effects of climate change and over fishing that have left fish stocks depleted.
The director general also affirmed that the reefs will be constructed to closely imitate the formation of natural reefs.
Once put in place on the seabed, small fish will be released close to the reef in order for it to eventually become a habitat than can support a growing ecosystem.
The official added that the location of the artificial reefs will not be made public in order to protect the fish and ensure that the ecosystem is given a chance to flourish.
Apart from the artificial reefs project, the directorate is also working on releasing small Subeti and Hammour fish in the sea in areas where there is low-fishing activity in order to promote a propagation of these species and to combat declining fish stocks.
Al Qasir urged fishermen not to catch small fish and stressed that fishermen must work to cooperate with the directorate and refrain from fishing around the artificial reefs.
Approximately 15,000 reefs are expected to be deposited in Bahrain's seas in efforts to help replenish the seas and prop up the fishing industry.
© Bahrain Tribune 2010
