The biggest artificial reef in NSW takes shape
The deployment of the John Dunphy Artificial Reef off Port Hacking beginsDeployment of the largest ever offshore artificial reef in NSW begun in earnest this week, as the first of the giant concrete modules were lowered to their new ocean home in the waters off Port Hacking near Cronulla in Sydney's south.
Named in honour of the late John Dunphy, a national fishing-industry doyen, the new reef comprises up to 20 individual concrete modules measuring approximately 4-5 metres wide by 4-5 metres high and weighing up to 25 tonnes each.
It won’t take long for the fish to arrive and colonise the reef, especially as the East Australian Current gets into gear with the the summer of 2018.
The first artificial reef off Sydney’s South Head was deployed in October 2011 and has become a resounding success with metro anglers. That reef in 38m of water is now teeming with fish life.
In time, the new artificial reef in southern Sydney in 25-30m of water will become a major attraction for the State’s one million recreational fishers, Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said on Tuesday (October 3).
"Everyone is hooked on our artificial reefs… I am excited to announce another three which will be constructed off Wollongong, Newcastle and Jervis Bay," Mr Blair said.
"We are committed to supporting our recreational fishers who generate over $3.4 billion each year for the NSW economy and create around 14,000 full time jobs.
"Our current reefs have over 50 species of fish and we expect this reef to attract even more.
"Projects such as these help cement our commitment to providing plenty of exciting opportunities, not just for anglers in NSW, but for visitors to our State as well."
The new John Dunphy Offshore Artificial Reef is the fourth such reef to deployed by the NSW Government since the first one off South Head in 2011.
Member for Cronulla, Mark Speakman, welcomed the deployment of NSW’s largest artificial reef to the waters off the Shire.
"This is a great catch for the anglers of Cronulla and I look forward to seeing this new reef reel in tourists from across the State to enjoy the beautiful waters off Port Hacking," Mr Speakman said.
The NSW Government has thanked the efforts of the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, Australian National Sportsfishing Association and the South Sydney Amateur Fishing Association for securing the funding for the Port Hacking reef through the Transport for NSW Port Botany Boating and Fishing Infrastructure Fund.
More about Artificial Reefs in NSW including co-ordinates.
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