Team Blitz India
MUMBAI: The RP Goenka group has taken up an initiative to create artificial reefs on the Mumbai coast. Reefs serve the environment by creating carbon sinks and by increasing biomass. They also provide more fishing opportunities to coastal communities.
The RPG Foundation has initiated a marine conservation initiative under Project Nature under which 210 artificial reefs have been installed in the Arabian Sea off Worli in Mumbai.
An artificial reef is a concrete structure made from cement and steel. When immersed, it initiates the formation of bacterial biofilm, which covers the surface of the artificial reef modules. Over time, they get covered by micro and macro algae. They also become a sanctuary for small and large-sized native fish species. This transformation is visible between tree-six months.
Across the globe, there are efforts taken to build climate-resilient artificial reefs that are like underwater homes for marine life. Countries like Indonesia, Australia, the US, Japan, India, and Venezuela, to name a few, are spearheading successful reef projects to combat climate change.
They help bring back marine animals to areas where their habitats have been damaged. These reefs also protect coastlines from big waves and storms.
The RPG Foundation has commissioned Kuddle Life Foundation, a marine conservation NGO, for scientific assessments and evaluation.
The Foundation plans to extend its success to other areas in Mumbai and beyond. Over the years, fisherfolk have been experiencing a drop in incomes due to the declining fish population caused due to pollution from sewage and plastic waste being dumped into the oceans. Artificial reefs remove pollutants from water, providing a natural filtration process.
