'Fish Apartment' Artificial Reefs Deployed in Front of Incheon... Size of 42 Soccer Fields

Artificial reef
Photo provided by Incheon City

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City will create new artificial reefs in the waters of Ongjin-gun, equivalent to the size of 42 soccer fields, to foster fishery resources and preserve the marine ecosystem.

The city announced on the 17th that it will deploy artificial reefs in three areas spanning 30 hectares in Deokjeok and Jawol-myeon, Ongjin-gun, in October, with a project budget of 1.8 billion KRW.

Artificial reefs are artificial structures made of concrete or steel materials that are submerged underwater to create habitats for fish, often referred to as "fish apartments." When seaweed attaches and breeds on these structures, they help moderate the flow of currents, making them suitable as habitats or spawning grounds for fish.

Since 1973 until last year, the city has established artificial reefs covering an area of 12,237 hectares. According to a survey by the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency, the areas where artificial reefs were installed showed an increase in catches of about 2 to 4 times for species such as blue crabs, rockfish, and black rockfish compared to general waters.

The city plans to conduct thorough preliminary field surveys to ensure artificial reefs are installed in appropriate locations and will strengthen post-installation management, including the collection of abandoned fishing gear, to maintain their functionality.

An Incheon City official stated, "Installing artificial reefs has diversified fishery resources and increased catch volumes," adding, "We will continue to promote the artificial reef project to foster fishery resources."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.