The Brazilian government’s fishing conservation program was inaugurated January 2 off the coast of Paraty, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
The Special Secretary of Aquiculture and Fishing, José Fritsch, accompanied the launching of the program at the Tamoios Ecological Station, where installation began on 44 artificial reefs, of a total of 2,600 that will be positioned on the continental platforms of nine Brazilian states.
According to Fritsch, the purpose of the reefs is to serve as havens for fish, protecting them from the nets used by large fishing boats.
“The artificial reefs will be a hiding place for fish, since the nets descend to the ocean floor and drag everything. Moreover, the reefs represent an investment in the conservation policy and responsible fishing,” he affirmed.
Fritsch said that the artificial reefs will begin to show results in three months, contributing to an increase in the fish population.
ABr