India builds artificial reefs to save sinking islands from erosion

The Indian government and scientists are deploying over 8000 artificial reef modules to protect 21 uninhabited islands off the coast of southern India.

These islands face disappearing land due to rising sea levels and storm surges caused by climate change. The island of Kariyachalli has already lost 80 percent of its land area, while two other islands have vanished completely. The project involves sinking heavy structures on the seabed to act as natural breakwaters.

These modules break the force of waves before they reach the coast. Divers also place hardy coral species on these structures that are more resistant to the rising ocean temperatures associated with global warming. Additionally, the team is restoring seagrass meadows, which serve as vital breeding grounds for various fish species. The initiative, which costs over 140 million Swiss francs, receives funding from the World Bank and the Indian state.

Supriya Sahu, an official from the state of Tamil Nadu, says the project protects the coastal economy from erosion and cyclones. Local fishers and salt workers assist by building wooden frames for seagrass. The project aims to create 100,000 jobs and train 70,000 people in sustainable eco-tourism. Artificial reefs have already stopped erosion on the neighboring island of Vaan, where 10,000 modules were anchored. On Shingle Island, the newly planted corals survived marine heatwaves better than older colonies.