Artificial reefs for WA

Recfishwest is enthusiastic at the deployment this week of Western Australia's first purpose-built artificial reef for recreational fishing.

On Tuesday, (March 19) the first of 30 modules were deployed at a location off Dunsborough as part of the $2.8 million initiative to trial artificial reefs. This project is supported by Recfishwest and funded by Royalties for Regions and recreational fishing licence money. An additional 30 modules will be deployed off the Bunbury coast this weekend.
 
The benefits of artificial reefs are recognised around the world and these purpose-built structures are expected to be a boon for the environment and local communities. These reefs will complement Western Australia’s robust and adaptive fisheries management approach ensuring fish stocks remain sustainable.
 
The reef modules are designed to create upwellings bringing nutrient rich water from the sea floor to the surface creating phytoplankton and zooplankton blooms. These blooms provide the basis for productive food chains and Recfishwest believes artificial reefs have the potential to create new habitat and nursery areas. This will increase productivity in local waters and provide enhanced fishing opportunities for species such as Skippy, Snapper and Samson Fish.
 
Each reef will consists of 30 modules placed using a clustered arrangement within four hectares of sandy seabed. These reef modules were designed by Haejoo Group, a world-leading artificial reef firm and built at MJB Industries in WA. The modules are similar to those deployed in Queensland waters.
 
The two reef locations are within five kilometres of shore almost directly in line with existing boat ramps. These reefs will enable safe access for recreational fishers with small boats fishing off Dunsborough and Bunbury.

Response to the trials from local community groups has been very positive.