Artificial reefs
The NSW Department of Primary Industries is undertaking a pilot Artificial Reefs project to investigate the benefits of artificial reefs as a fisheries enhancement tool in Recreational Fishing Havens (RFH) along the NSW coast. A series of small artificial reefs are being deployed in identified barren areas in three RFHs.
The Department has worked closely with recreational fishers and estuarine user groups to establish suitable sites that will minimise social and environmental impacts. Before the reefs are deployed, a number of approvals are required from various Management Authorities. The reefs will be monitored before and after deployment using a combination of research methods including baited underwater videos, diver surveys and angler catch information.
Location maps
‘Reef Ball’ technology
The Lake Macquarie, Botany Bay and St Georges Basin artificial reefs are being constructed using existing ‘Reef Ball’ technology. Reef balls are individual reef modules cast from a single mould. The Reef Ball modules are a patented mold supplied by the Reef Ball Development Group and are made from a special mix of concrete that enhances marine growth while withstanding saltwater corrosion.
The Department is using ‘Mini-Bay Reef Balls’, which when placed together on the bottom in varying numbers, form small artificial reefs of different sizes (see dimensions below). The individual reef ball modules create habitat for marine fish, algae and crustaceans and can be deployed, moved or retrieved if necessary.
Reefs Balls have been used extensively around the world for a number of applications including natural reef enhancement, reef restoration, coastal stabilisation and fishing related development. Evidence to date suggests that Reef Balls can reach 80% or more of the natural species diversity and population densities of nearby natural reef systems within just a few years. Over 500,000 Reef Balls have been deployed worldwide in over 3,200 projects. More information on Reef Balls can be obtained from the Reef Ball Development Group (www.reefball.com).
| ‘Reef Ball’ Style | Width | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini-Bay | 0.76m | 0.53m | 70 - 90kg |
Objectives of the project
- Identify suitable sites for the construction of artificial reefs in 3 estuaries that have been declared Recreational Fishing Havens namely Lake Macquarie, Botany Bay and St. Georges Basin.
- Construct variable artificial reef configurations to establish best-suited designs for NSW estuaries to optimise effectiveness and minimise cost.
- Scientific research into artificial reef related topics.
- Inform the recreational fishing community about the effectiveness and contribution of artificial reefs in improving recreational fishing in each estuary.
- Establish guidelines for the consideration of any future artificial reef proposals in NSW estuarine and coastal waters.