Plaridel fisheries get a boost with artificial reef deployment

By Rowena T. Cruz A newly deployed artificial reef in the waters off Plaridel, Quezon, offers a structured habitat for marine life, part of ...

By Rowena T. Cruz

A newly deployed artificial reef in the waters off Plaridel, Quezon, offers a structured habitat for marine life, part of a larger initiative to boost local fisheries and enhance biodiversity. (Quezon PIO)

PLARIDEL, Quezon – The underwater landscape of this town's coast has undergone a significant transformation with the recent placement of 30 artificial reef units. This initiative, a key undertaking by the Quezon Provincial Government, culminated on April 24 and 25, 2025, signaling a strong push to revitalize local fisheries and enrich the marine environment within Plaridel jurisdiction.

Spearheading this marine enhancement is the Municipal Fisheries Development Program, a vital arm of the Provincial Agriculturist's Office (OPA). Injecting innovation into ocean conservation, the project introduces robust concrete modules designed as havens for marine creatures. These underwater structures promise to become bustling hubs for shelter, reproduction, and refuge, offering Plaridels fishermen hope for more bountiful harvests in their familiar fishing grounds.



Careful site selection ensured the reefs would harmonize seamlessly with Plaridels existing marine environment. This meticulous process involved extensive surveys to identify locations with optimal conditions for both reef stability and marine life colonization, ultimately aiming for the greatest positive impact on the local ecosystem.

The deployment was a joint effort involving provincial authorities, Plaridels local government, and the very fishermen poised to benefit. These community members, all active participants in Plaridels fishing sector, have gained essential knowledge for the long-term care of these artificial habitats and will be key players in the local Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC).

OPA believes the benefits for Plaridel will be interconnected, where increased fish yields drive economic growth, which in turn supports the adoption of sustainable practices, ultimately leading to a flourishing and enduring marine environment. The OPAs commitment to the long-term prosperity of Plaridels coastal communities and the health of its marine ecosystem is evident in this interconnected approach.

Plaridel's proactive stance in deploying these artificial reefs is expected to inspire similar initiatives across Quezon Provinces coastal communities. This commitment to a healthier ocean and a thriving fishing industry underscores the town dedication to both ecological responsibility and the prosperity of its seafaring residents.