Six artificial reefs for St Georges Basin

Six artificial reefs will be constructed at St Georges Basin in a bid to improve recreational fishing in the area.

The reefs are part of a three-year $386,000 pilot program funded by the Recreational Fishing Trusts.

Department of Primary Industries Program Manager for Artificial Reefs, Heath Folpp said the reefs would create valuable fish habitats at depths of 6.5 metres in this popular recreational fishing spot, attracting various species of fish.

“They will be made up of 180 concrete modules known as ‘Reef Balls’, which can be easily moved, or removed completely, if necessary,” Mr Folpp said.

“Reef Balls are made using a special mix of concrete that allows algae to grow quickly, creating ideal marine habitat for fish and invertebrates.

“Prior to today’s deployment, scientific surveys of the sites and surrounding natural reefs were conducted so the artificial structures can be compared with existing habitat, once installed.

“St Georges Basin is the third recreational fishing haven (RFH) in NSW to trial the artificial reefs, after similar structures were deployed in Lake Macquarie in December 2005 and Botany Bay in June 2006.

“This project has received strong support from the Shoalhaven City Council as well as individual recreational fishers and fishing clubs including the ‘Basin Lure and Fly’.

“Research will aim to determine the structures' effectiveness and any likely impacts of the artificial reefs. The project will play a vital role in providing information about the benefits of artificial reefs as a fisheries enhancement tool.

“Artificial reefs are a great example of recreational fishing licence fees being put back into the water for the benefit of the fishing community.

“Funds raised from the sale of licences 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,” Mr Folpp said.

Deployment of the reefs began this week. Photos of Reef Balls are available on request.

For more information on artificial reefs http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/recreational/general/artificial_reefs

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