Shore seine fishing is a traditional method practiced around the world. It typically consists of a single boat used to deploy a net offshore and encircle a small school of fish. The seine net is then pulled onshore by a group of fishermen like the example in this video. The process isn’t complex but it’s been working successfully for generations.
Shore seine fishing is commonly practiced on Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam where Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef is conveniently located. Artificial reefs have demonstrated the ability to increase fish productivity supporting local fishery populations.
Reports from local fishermen say that they’ve been able to resume seine fishing two months earlier than in previous years! Must have something to do with Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef protecting the coast and widening the beach.
Kerala Tourism and the Harbor and Engineering department have been extremely pleased by the changes to Lighthouse beach following the installation of Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef. Here is what they had to say and a movie depicting the changes that have occurred. ASR is please to be promoting not only sustainable coastal protection but also responsible tourism in Southern India...
"The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala in association with the Department of Harbour Engineering, implemented India's first offshore multi-purpose reef at Kovalam to protect the Lighthouse beach. The multi-purpose project, while improving the ecology would also enhance tourism growth through the introduction of surfing.
Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef is showing encouraging results and leading a new trend of valuable coastal protection methods. The multi-purpose reef was designed to protect the beach from erosion, and it was made from materials that would improve marine habitat and fishing for the locals.
On Feb 27, 2010 India's first Multi-Purpose Reef at the Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam was completed. The reef now protects the eroding stretch of the Lighthouse beach from further devastation during the monsoon rainy season by reducing the wave energy. Fish life blossoms as the reef provides a firm substrate on the seabed for colonization by marine species.
Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef is an innovate form of coastal protection that provides value previously not associated with coastal protection structures like seawalls, groins and jetties. The long-term objective of Kovalam Multi-Purpose Reef is to restore the beach by providing 'soft' or 'sustainable' prevention mechanism for coastal erosion.
Providing marine habitat strengthens local fish population, promoting security to the livelihood of local fishermen and providing added benefits to the marine environment. The reef is offshore and submerged and the multi-purpose reef does not restrict access to the coast.
For the sake of beach protection and fishing benefits, a multi-purpose reef can be designed to greatly improve the surfing conditions, which was another strong goal of the project. The reef generates adequate wave for surfing enthusiasts, bringing more travelers and revenue to the area.
The project was focused on Kovalam, but the technology could be used in other locations in India. The multi-purpose reefs can be used as a substitute for the devastating rock seawalls and other hard structures along India's shoreline, which are destroying our tourism and preventing local villagers, access to the sea for fishing."
A few weeks ago, we received this letter addressed to Chris Jensen, one of the managing directors at ASR ltd. It's always exciting to make new friends while traveling and we're happy they got back in touch with ASR ltd. We got a kick out of this letter and we hope you do to.
Adam Daigian 