Artificial reefs set to improve Vic fishing

A $400,000 project to install eight artificial reefs in Gippsland estuaries is now complete, providing improved fishing opportunities for local and visiting anglers.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the last of four reefs were deployed at Lake Tyerslast Friday (June 27), while two other reefs at Mallacoota Inlet and two in the Gippsland Lakes had been finished earlier in the year.

"The reefs will be rapidly colonised by aquatic vegetation and marine organisms, and will become habitat for a variety of popular recreational fish species including black bream, dusky flathead, mulloway and luderick," Mr Bull said.

"The Victorian Coalition Government recognises the social and economic contribution that recreational fishing makes to our state and we are committed to improving this fun and healthy outdoor activity, which is enjoyed by 721,000 Victorians annually.

"These reefs have been funded by revenue raised from the sale of fishing licenses and the Victorian Coalition Government’s $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative.

"Now in its third year, the Initiative is funding projects to stock more fish, improve access and facilities, upgrade boating facilities, install fish cleaning tables, improve fish passage, undertake more research and strengthen fisheries enforcement and education."

Mr Bull said the eight fishing reefs were the culmination of more than a year’s work by Fisheries Victoria, including consultation, site assessments and obtaining relevant planning approvals.

"A number of similar reefs were deployed in Port Phillip Bay several years ago and have delivered improved fishing for boat-based and pier-based anglers," Mr Bull said.

"Fisheries Victoria is also progressing with plans to deploy a large artificial reef in deep water off Torquay later this year that is expected to attract larger pelagic species of fish for anglers."

For more information and maps of the reefs visit www.depi.vic.gov.au/gippslandreefs