LPJ Launches First Artificial Reef Project To Promote Marine Sustainability

MERSING, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The Johor Port Authority (LPJ) is committed to strengthening its role as a sustainable development partner for the community and the environment through the launch of its first artificial reef project.

LPJ board chairman Dr Rosnan Fathlal said the initiative is part of the agency’s 50th-anniversary celebration and reflects its commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of marine resources.

He said Mersing was chosen for the project because of its strategic location as a Sustainable Tourism District, known for its scenic islands and beaches that attract tourists and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based on marine resources.

“Our focus is not only on port infrastructure development and operational efficiency but also on supporting the community through sustainable initiatives.

“The artificial reef is more than just a steel and concrete structure on the seabed. It will serve as a new home for marine life, help restore ocean ecosystems, and increase fish populations that provide livelihoods for fishermen,” he told Bernama  after officiating the artificial reef deployment programme at the Mersing District Council cargo jetty here today.

He said the artificial reef, worth RM50,000, was designed in a trapezium shape for engineering and safety reasons and will be placed at a depth of nine to ten metres.

The operation will involve eight LPJ divers, two contractor divers, and two photographers.

“The reef, measuring 5.2 metres long, 3.2 metres wide and 3.3 metres high, will be placed in the waters off Pulau Tinggi tomorrow. We hope this project will raise public awareness about protecting the sea, reducing pollution and practising sustainable fishing.

“Mersing’s main economic activities are tourism and fisheries, so we hope this initiative will benefit both the marine tourism sector and the local fishing community,” he added.

Established in 1975, LPJ is a federal statutory body responsible for administering, regulating and developing ports under its authority, including Pasir Gudang Port and Port of Tanjung Pelepas.

-- BERNAMA