An artificial reef off Taiwan''s east coast has yielded a harvest of more than 230 tonnes of seafood so far this year, with value of the catch expected to grow further, according to the Fisheries Research Institute under the Council of Agriculture (COA).
The catch, worth more than TWD $20 million (€468,000/$658,000) in the first nine months of the year, was the result of a new reef floating 20-60 metres underwater off Taitung's Hsinkang Pier, the institute announced.
Offshore artificial reefs function similarly to ocean driftwood in attracting fish, the COA website explained.
The catch was particularly good in February and March, averaging more than 180kg per ship per day and with top catches exceeding 400kg, the institute reported. Even during the low season of June, the average haul of the 30 vessels was around 60kg.
Use of the reefs also shortens the distances boats need to travel, it also noted, saving about 15% on fuel costs.
There are now six such facilities along the east coast, helping to increase the gross value of the east coast fishing industry, the institute responsible for developing Taiwan's fishing-related technologies and research said.
[Source: CNA]
