Coral reefs growing on the outer reef slope of Huangyan Island Photo: Courtesy of South China Institute of Environmental Sciences under China Ministry of Ecology and Environment

A total of 16 artificial reef structures, each measuring six square meters and weighing about 90 tons, were placed at a depth of about 20 meters off the coast of Xidao Islands and its adjacent waters near Sanya city, South China's Hainan Province, on Tuesday, chinanews.com reported. 

Made of reinforced concrete, these artificial reefs are designed to serve as a new home for marine life in the area.

The reefs have many holes that allow marine organisms to breed, grow, and seek refuge inside. 

The placement of these reefs helps to curb illegal fishing activities, mitigate seabed desertification, and accelerate the restoration of marine habitats.

The artificial reef deployment started in August and plans to place 320 reef structures, covering nearly 3 million square meters upon completion. 

Once the artificial reefs are in place, 145,000 rock-dwelling fish species, such as snappers and groupers, will be released in phases. 

After the artificial reefs are in place, we plan to sequentially release 145,000 individuals of rock-dwelling fish species, including snappers and groupers.