Recreational fishing on NSW South Coast is set to get even better, with the region set to receive two artificial reefs: one in Lake Conjola and the other in Merimbula Lake, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald announced today.

Minister Macdonald said the artificial reefs program is extremely popular and is part of an ongoing program to improve recreational fishing.

"This is exciting news for the recreational fishers on the South Coast -  artificial reefs have proven to be successful in attracting recreational fishing species including bream, snapper and whiting," Mr Macdonald said.

"The reefs are moulded concrete balls deployed in shallow coastal estuaries, which create an artificial reef which can be easily relocated if necessary.

"NSW DPI will be working closely with recreational fishers, local fishing clubs and Council staff on the South Coast to select the best possible locations for the reefs.

"Similar reefs are already in operation in Lake Macquarie, Botany Bay and St Georges Basin and there are more than 3,500 artificial reef projects across the world.

"Scientific monitoring has shown that these reefs have been a huge success, with close to 40 species of fish so far identified on the Lake Macquarie artificial reefs alone."

Monitoring conducted by NSW Department of Primary Industries will aim to determine how effective the artificial reefs are and any likely impacts.

"The artificial reefs program is funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust. It’s another great example of recreational fishing licence fees being put back into the water for the benefit of the community," Mr Macdonald said.

"Funds raised from the sale of the recreational fishing fee are placed into two trusts, one for saltwater and the other freshwater, and can only be spent on projects to improve recreational fishing in NSW."

The reefs should be installed later this year, pending approval from all relevant consenting authorities.

For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater-fishing/artificial-reefs

Media Note: Pictures are available on request.

Media contact: Lyndall Derrig 9228 3344 or 0400 462 447