Sabah News November 05, 2009 19:14 PM Artificial Reefs To Replenish Fisheries Resources In Silam LAHAD DATU, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Fisheries Department has placed 20 cuboid-shaped artificial reefs made of concrete in Silam waters, near here, to promote the growth of marine life in the area. The artificial reefs were placed about three nautical miles from the fishing village there, at a depth of 20 metres, with preparation and operation costs estimated to be RM170,000. The project was launched by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, who is also Lahad Datu assemblyman, Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansor. The department's deputy director Daim Sabrun said it was hoped that the high-technology artificial reefs would benefit about 200 fishermen in the area. "With the artificial reefs, fish and other marine life will not only gather to make it a habitat but also breed and help replenish the depleting fisheries resources in the area," he told reporters here Wednesday. -- BERNAMA