The eastern coastal state of Odisha, with its unique geo-climatic setting, stands at the frontline of nature’s fury. The escalating coastal vulnerability has turned the region into a hotspot for climate-induced disasters, while also threatening its fragile marine ecosystem, disrupting biodiversity, and endangering coastal habitats. To address these challenges, Odisha plans to establish 93 artificial reef units along its 480-kilometre coastline.

Artificial reefs are structures designed to mimic the natural features of coral reefs and other underwater habitats. Globally recognised for their ability to restore marine ecosystems and boost fish populations, these reefs are constructed from materials like concrete, rocks, or specially engineered substances. Positioned on the seabed, they offer shelter, food, and breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic organisms, aiding in the recovery of degraded marine environments.

Why does Odisha need artificial reefs?

This initiative is not unique to Odisha. In August 2023, the Department of Fisheries unveiled plans to deploy artificial reefs in 3,477 fishing villages across the country, with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) leading the initiative. Subsequently in November 2024, the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) approved the establishment of 93 units of artificial reefs for climate change mitigation, fish stock enhancement and promotion of sustainable marine fisheries along the Odisha coast, at an estimated cost of Rs. 29 crores (Rs. 290 million). Of the total investment, the union government funds 60% while the state provides the rest.

Several coastal states in India have already implemented artificial reef projects to support marine ecosystems and enhance fisheries. Tamil Nadu was one of the first states to adopt this approach, followed by Kerala, with positive results. Similar projects have also been undertaken in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, in the recent past.

Odisha’s coastal ecosystems continue to suffer as cyclones, storm surges, coastal inundation and sea level rise have become increasingly common. Studies show that artificial reefs can serve as barriers to reduce coastal erosion and protect shorelines from the impact of strong waves and storm surges. “If the reefs are put strategically, they can help reduce the impact of major cyclones. These reefs are designed to reduce the impact of storm surges by dissipating their energy and the consequent inundation in coastal areas,” says Tamoghna Acharyya, associate professor, oceanography, and the head of the Department of Marine Science at Berhampur University.

These climate change phenomena, along with pollution, have also adversely impacted the marine ecosystem of the state. “Artificial reefs promote the growth of seaweeds and marine plants, which absorb carbon dioxide, helping combat ocean acidification and climate change,” says marine biologist Dinabandhu Sahoo, who had established a similar project in Chilika lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, in 2024. Led by him and engineer Sanjukta Sahoo, the project involved deploying 100 concrete structures to create a 200-metre-long reef. “Within months (of establishing it), the reef began attracting juvenile crabs, prawns, and fish, providing an early indication of its success,” he says.

As per the last report of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Odisha is the fourth largest fish-producing state in the country, contributing to six percent of the total fish production in India. As per the report, in the marine fisheries sector, Odisha witnessed a growth in production from 1.2 lakh metric tonnes in 2000-01 to 2.27 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24. However, it is still short of its Maximum Sustainable Yield which stands at 2.93 lakh metric tonnes.

Better management needed

According to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, artificial reefs can increase fish production by up to 400% in degraded areas. Beyond its ecological benefits, the artificial reef initiative also holds immense potential for improving the livelihoods of Odisha’s coastal communities. “The construction phase will create employment opportunities, while the thriving ecosystems will sustain fisheries for generations,” Sahoo says. He says the reefs would evolve into “ocean forests,” supporting a wide range of economically valuable species and creating a cooling effect in the ocean.

There are, however, apprehensions over the project and its sustained success. In Ganjam, where the first installation is expected to take place, the fishers association has submitted a memorandum to the state government, raising concerns. “This is not the first time that they are planning to set up artificial reefs here. But it has always been a failure with no follow-ups on those. It is not conducive for the seas in Odisha. Small fishers will get adversely impacted due to the restrictions on the usage of nets and fishing will become industrial in that case,” says coordinator of Orissa Marine Resources Conservation Consortium, K. Alleya.

“The increasing deployment of these structures in marine environments often falls short of management goals, leading to ecological, environmental, and socio-economic consequences. The success of artificial reefs depends on factors like reef design and deployment location. To improve outcomes, it is crucial to assess the risks that could cause these projects to fail,” he adds. 

Learning from failures

Odisha attempted setting up 20 units of artificial reefs in 2015 but failed. Deputy director of fisheries Rabinarayan Pattnaik shares that deploying artificial reefs has challenges. “One of the key issues we faced was the high sea current levels along the Odisha’s coastline, which made it difficult to ensure the stability of the structures,” he says, adding: “This time, extensive pre-deployment surveys and in-depth studies were conducted to address these challenges. The new deployment plan incorporates these findings to enhance the durability and effectiveness of the reefs, ensuring they can withstand the coastal conditions.

The first set of artificial reefs will be deployed at the Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district. According to Pattanaik, the area was strategically chosen considering the depth of water at suitable levels after the hydrological study as part of the pre-deployment work.

“Site selection is critical to ensure minimal disruption to existing ecosystems and compatibility with maritime activities. Materials used for the reefs must be environmentally safe and resilient against marine conditions. Regular scientific monitoring is essential to assess the reefs’ ecological impact and effectiveness,” Sahoo agrees.

Acharyya emphasises on the right size and spacing of the reef for its optimal  performance. “Research suggests that intermediate-sized reefs tend to be the most effective, as they offer enhanced fish catch per unit compared to smaller or larger ones. Similarly, the elevation of the reef is important – a higher elevation is likely to significantly boost fish production,” he points out. He elaborates that the reefs should be spaced to support each other, not hinder their purpose. “The materials must resemble natural substrates to improve effectiveness. In places like Australia, 3D-printed coral reefs are being tested to mimic natural conditions. These factors are crucial for the success of artificial reef projects.”

“It is crucial to innovate and collaborate with local stakeholders to tailor these initiatives to the specific needs and conditions of the region. By doing so, we can ensure their long-term success and benefit both the environment and the communities that depend on it,” Sahoo adds.

Fisher participation

Robert Panipilla, an ocean researcher and the head of Friends of Marine Life, a coastal indigenous civil society organisation, however, says that the relevant authorities should assess how many of these villages are primarily engaged in hook-and-line fishing before constructing artificial reefs. “If artificial reefs are placed in areas dominated by net fishing, they risk becoming sites for abandoned ghost nets, which severely harm marine ecosystems. It is also important to recognise that artificial reefs primarily function as fish-aggregating devices rather than breeding grounds, attracting sedentary organisms instead of facilitating fish reproduction. If placed in regions with extensive mechanised fishing, these reefs could contribute to widespread ghost net pollution, further damaging marine life,” he points out.

Panipilla recalls a time in the 1980s when the rise of trawlers began to negatively affect the marine ecosystem, creating tension between traditional and mechanised fishing practices. During this period, indigenous fishers began building artificial reefs using locally available materials like tree branches and coconut shells, until a local NGO stepped in, introducing more structured approaches to artificial reefs.

“The fishers played a key role in every step of the process—from procuring materials, constructing the structures, transporting them, determining deployment locations, and selecting appropriate fishing gear. This grassroots effort proved to be a success. However, once the government took over, the projects were handed to contractors, leading to a loss of local involvement,” he says, adding, “The placement and materials of the reefs were now decided by contractors, who lacked the crucial local knowledge needed for effective reef deployment.”

Panipilla says he believes that community participation is crucial in the success of artificial reef projects. “Fishermen should be trained in reef construction and encouraged to actively participate in every step to ensure these structures serve their intended purpose while preserving marine ecosystems,” he shares.

Read more: Artificial reefs breathe new life for Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities

Banner image: Dinabandhu Sahoo and Sanjukta Sahoo with the artificial reef structures designed by them. Image by Dinabandhu Sahoo.

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Arathimenon Editor

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Coral ReefsFishingOceansOdisha

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