Kelantan: Artificial reefs deployed in Kelantan waters not only provide habitats for fish to breed and grow but also help prevent large fishing boats from encroaching into coastal fishing grounds. Kelantan Fisheries Department director Ismail Ibrahim stated that these structures, placed on the seabed, create potential entanglement issues for fishing gear, thus safeguarding coastal fishing areas from intrusion by large-scale fishing vessels.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ismail Ibrahim emphasized that artificial reefs act as a barrier against the encroachment of large fishing boats into coastal waters. 'When fish come to the area to spawn and grow, it will benefit our fishermen and ultimately the community, particularly by increasing fish landings and supporting food security,' he told reporters after attending an Artificial Reef Deployment Programme.

A total of 30 artificial reefs, donated by the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, were deployed approximately 4.6 nautical miles off the Tok Bali Jetty to create a conservation area and breeding and nursery grounds for various fish species. This deployment marks the first to utilize funds contributed by the Sultan specifically for fisheries conservation in the state.

Ismail further elaborated that since 2007, the Kelantan Fisheries Department has placed about 400 artificial reefs at four locations within the state's waters, with an additional 72 units being deployed in stages this year. The reefs, located less than five nautical miles from the coast, are expected to impact fish breeding after at least six months, contingent on conditions and ecosystem development.

The department also conducts regular monitoring and cleaning programmes to remove ropes and fishing gear debris caught on the structures, ensuring the habitats continue to function effectively.