Bahrain has spent more than BD1 million planting 2,500 structures on the sea bed as part of efforts to boost the country's depleting fish stocks.
"We mainly placed them in the north and north-east coast of Bahrain," said Fisheries and Marine Resources Directorate adviser Dr Jassim Al Qaseer.
"We've had a lot of positive results through careful planning and studies to pick the best places to place these structures.
"We have to be careful, as ideally it would be waters no deeper than 15m, with good currents, a reasonable temperature between 18C and 26C and exposure to light.
"Those conditions combined will yield good results and increase the chance of marine life flourishing in the artificial structures."
Dr Al Qaseer said the first stage of the project had cost BD1.1m.
"We need these structures because some fish need new homes to breed in and places to stay safe from predators," he said.
"So far, we've had a very positive response.
"Different species of fish have been taking up the artificial reefs.
"Both deep and shallow-dwelling fish, such as king mackerel and grouper, have been using the structures.
"This means it's good for different marine life to adapt."
Moreover, Dr Al Qaseer says it is vital to increase the number of artificial coral reefs.
"We should increase them because it will create the core for marine life in the future," he said.
"Reclamations have affected natural reefs, sea grass and micro-organisms.
"This project will enhance fish stocks by increasing the feeding and protection area.
"Eventually, we will have coral on the structures, which will be a new way to build coral reefs."
Dr Al Qaseer explained the artificial reefs were constantly checked to ensure they were effective.
"Every two or three months we have consultants and people from our own team dive down to evaluate the structures and see how they are progressing," he said.
"So far, everything has been positive.
"The second stage has not been decided yet.
"We're aiming to start in the second half of the year, with a budget of up to BD1.2m."
Dr Al Qaseer said the project will take at least four years to complete.
"It's very important as some areas that are devoid of marine life could be cultivated to become a thriving area for fish," he added.
Source: Gulf Daily News
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