*𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐟𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬* In a major step to improve fish stocks and help traditional fishermen, 22 artificial reefs have been installed off the Jalari Yendada coast in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The launch was led by Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on May 20, 2025. These man-made reef structures are part of the first phase of the project under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The aim is to restore marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. The reefs are made of concrete and shaped like triangles, flowers, and large pipes. They are designed to act like natural habitats, giving shelter and breeding space to various fish species like kingfish, tuna, red snapper, prawns, crabs, squids, and octopuses. These reefs are placed within 2.5 km of the shore, which will help reduce fuel and operational costs for fishermen by up to 80%. The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is leading the scientific part of the project, with Dr. Joe Kizhakudan as the Principal Scientist. Speaking at the event, Minister Atchannaidu said the project is an answer to the decline in fish population due to pollution and oil-related activities, which have hit traditional fishermen hard. He also announced several other measures under PMMSY: 634 free transponders given to mechanised boats from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour for better tracking, especially during bad weather. Plans to distribute GPS units, echo sounders, fishing boats, nets, and engines at subsidised rates. Efforts to clear pending diesel subsidies and ex gratia payments. Talks planned with the Port Chairman for installing cranes and cradles at the fishing harbour. Visits to seaweed farming and cage culture units near RK Beach, with instructions to expand these for youth and women employment. Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar, Fisheries Commissioner Ramashankar Naik, and many local fishermen attended the event.