Research has been conducted to boost the Malaysia’s fish supply for more than 30 years and so it decided to take initiatives to boost the construction of artificial reefs. It was in 1975 when the first artificial reef was set up which was acted as a nursery for fish fry and a breeding ground for marine life. It helps fish to develop fast as per the research report. The authority is using various materials to create the artificial reefs, ranging from the discarded tyres, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wrecked boats and concrete.
It is realized that the artificial reefs are ideal breeding grounds for marine life, Malaysia’s fisheries authorities have embarked on a programme to boost the nation’s fisheries sector by creating artificial reefs. Fisheries Department Director-General Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub, told that the government has allocated some RM9.4 million for the development of artificial reefs as part of the efforts to boost the nation’s marine resources.
It is notified that most of the artificial reefs are either like tetrapods (three-legged) or cuboids (four-legged), depending on the ocean floors topography. They make good breeding grounds and promulgate the growth of coral. According to Junaidi the fishermen earn additional income by conducting recreational fishing activities, like leasing out their boats and ferrying anglers. He also informed that researches are conducted by the Fisheries Department revealed that the vicinity of the artificial reefs are rich in diversiy of fish species.
