Artificial reefs for SA waters

South Australians are invited to provide feedback on the preferred location for the state’s first trial reef project, which Primary Industries and Regions SA says is part of a new major investment program to boost rec fishing opportunities in the State.

Two locations in northern Gulf St Vincent and a third location in southern metropolitan Adelaide have been shortlisted as possible sites for the manmade reefs.

The $600,000 trial reef project has been created to restore fisheries habitat. using artificial and natural materials on the seabed.

The project is part of the State Government’s $3.25 million support package to boost recreational fishing and tourism opportunities which complement marine parks.

Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said the three locations have been short-listed due to their high value to recreational fishers as well as the long-term benefits to regional communities and the marine environment.

"One in six South Australians engages in recreational fishing each year and it’s a pastime that is also a major drawcard for interstate and international visitors to our state," he said.

"Enhancing habitat and, where possible, restoring reefs, will not only deliver great fishing opportunities for the future, but boost tourism and economic prosperity in our regional communities as well.

"If this trial proves successful, it may also support the implementation of further reef restoration projects in South Australia."

Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said a best practice and community-minded approach had guided the short-listing process.

"The State Government is committed to protecting our incredible marine environment, and we consulted widely when we established the marine parks," he said.

"We’re doing the same with the artificial reef project, and received strong community support for work that would repair degraded fisheries habitat and provide a long-term solution to improving opportunities for recreational fishing.

"We’ve committed $3.25 million over three years to encourage the use of marine parks and we’re keen to see nature-based tourism opportunities such as the artificial reef bring more and more people to our marine park network."

Two community meetings will be held in December to provide details on the proposed options. All members of the public are welcome:
>> Ardrossan Town Hall. Tuesday, December 8, 7pm - 8.30pm.
>> Port Noarlunga Surf Life Saving Club. December 9, 7pm - 8.30pm.

Feedback closes January 8, 2016. Go to the
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