Union Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the artificial reef project through videoconference.

• The minister said it will boost sustainable fishing, enhance the marine landscape and foster better livelihood for the fishing community.
• The deployment of artificial reefs off the coast of 42 fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district . 
• The project is meant to boost fish resources and promote sustainable management. In all, 6,300 artificial reef units - 150 for each of the villages - will be deployed under this initiative.conference, said it will boost sustainable fishing, enhance the marine landscape and foster better livelihood for the fishing community.
• The Rs. 13.02 crore project is being implemented under the Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has proposed artificial reefs in 3,477 fishing villages across the coastline of the country, according to Mr. Rupala.
• Under PMMSY, the Centre has cleared Rs. 302 crore for artificial reef installation and promotion of sustainable fisheries and livelihood in Kerala.