The socio-economic impact of artificial reefs on fishing communities in the east coast region of Malaysia

Key Findings: • Economic Impact: ○ 47% of respondents experienced a shift from low-income brackets (<RM 1000) to higher household income levels due to ARs. ○ ARs facilitated income diversification, with 51.2% of respondents engaging in supplementary income-generating activities. • Fishermen's Awareness and Utilization: ○ High awareness (90.7%) of AR initiatives by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. ○ 58.1% actively utilize ARs, targeting high-value fish species, enhancing catch rates. • Environmental and Biodiversity Impact: ○ ARs increased fish abundance and reduced fishing efforts, benefitting artisanal fishermen. ○ “Spillover effects” from AR zones positively impacted adjacent fishing areas. • Policy Implications: ○ Highlights ARs as instruments for achieving SDG 1 (“No Poverty”) and SDG 14 (“Life Below Water”). ○ Emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and strategic management of AR initiatives. • Novel Contribution: This research uniquely connects AR deployment to socio-economic resilience and poverty reduction within Malaysia's coastal fishing communities, providing evidence-based insights to inform policy development and sustainable marine resource management. This study investigates the impact of artificial reefs on fishing communities in Terengganu, one of the states in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia. Using a quantitative approach, 172 fishermen were surveyed to assess their perceptions and experiences with artificial reef development programmes. Results revealed a positive shift in the income profile of fishermen, with many diversifying their income sources and experiencing increased household income. Furthermore, most respondents were aware of and utilised artificial reefs during fishing activities. The deployment of artificial reefs has significantly increased fish abundance, reduced fishing efforts, contributed to higher-value catches and subsequently improved fishermen's socioeconomic status. The findings of this study underscore the potential of artificial reefs as a sustainable strategy for enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities. By providing alternative fishing grounds and promoting biodiversity, artificial reefs can contribute to the economic development and resilience of coastal regions.