In an unusual use of military hardware, the Thai government has dumped 25 abandoned army tanks, 273 old train carriages and 198 rubbish trucks into the southern sea, in an effort to create an artificial reef.

The project, which aims to generate 72 new reefs, was initiated by Thailand's queen to improve marine ecosystems and increase fish stocks in the area.

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.