The Thai government has dumped 25 abandoned army tanks, 273 old train carriages and 198 rubbish trucks into the southern sea to create an artificial reef.

The project was initiated by the Thai Queen to improve marine ecosystems and increase fish stocks in the area by making 72 new reefs.

It was in response to local fishermen in the restive southern provinces who asked her for help following a decline in fish stocks due to over-fishing.

Al Jazeera's Aela Callan reports from Narathiwat, southern Thailand. (Aug 10, 2010)