SACHINANDAN DUTTA
Biography
Assistant Professor Department of Marine Science and Fisheries College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences Sultan Qaboos University
Research Interest
Fisheries Management, Ecosystem Modelling, Conservation Biology.
Abstract
Artificial Reefs and Fisheries: Towards a Sustainable Approach
Artificial reefs are man-made structures placed underwater to promote marine life, support fisheries, and enhance biodiversity. In northern Oman’s Al-Batinah region — home to about 14,216 fishermen — traditional artificial reefs (TARs) were often built using harmful materials like old tires and car frames. To improve sustainability, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) deployed around 18,325 modular artificial reef units (MARs) between 2003 and 2021, investing 4,093,107 OMR (10,631,714 USD). Despite establishing the Middle East’s largest artificial reef farm, scientific evaluations of these projects remain limited. Ecological assessments using Ecopath with Ecosim software revealed the artificial reef ecosystem as still developing, identifying 38 fish species across 140 km². Social surveys of 96 fishermen showed that while 55% still rely on TARs, 79% had not shifted to MARs, mainly due to concerns over their locations. However, most fishermen acknowledged the importance of MARs in enhancing fisheries production and marine diversity. An economic analysis using the Travel Cost Method estimated an annual recreational value of 187,763 OMR (487,727 USD), highlighting the reefs' financial importance. Increased reef density correlated with greater recreational demand. The study recommends strengthening regulations, enhancing awareness among fishing communities, and balancing artificial reef development with the protection of natural reefs to maximize ecological and economic benefits. If properly managed, MARs can significantly boost fisheries production and support traditional fishermen's livelihoods in Al Batinah.
