Ministerial Decision No. 55 of 2004 issuing Regulations managing the establishment of artificial reefs (Alshuduud).

This Ministerial Decision is composed of 4 articles and an attached Regulation. Article 1 states that the management of the establishment of artificial reefs (Alshuduud) through the provisions of the attached Regulations is to be carried out. Fishermen associated with existing Alshuduud before the issuing of this Decision are to correct their practices according to the provisions of these Regulations within 6 months of the date of publication of this Decision.
Article 2 of the attached Regulations does not permit the establishment of artificial reefs without a licence. Licences are granted to fishermen who normally fish in the Wilaya where they want to establish the reef. If the fishermen have a boat, they must have a valid licence for it (art. 4). Certain substances are forbidden in the construction of artificial reefs as they may lead to pollution of the marine environment, harm aquatic life or hinder navigation. Banned materials include engines, barrels, old boats and ships, glass, plastic, etc. (art. 13). Article 7 provides specifications in the construction of reefs: only permitted materials may be used; they must not exceed 30 square metres; they must be more than 1000m from shore; reefs must not be closer than 500m from each other, and they must not exceed 1/3 of the depth of the sea where located; etc.