Estuarine 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.

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.
Further information on artificial reefs project.

Offshore Artificial Reefs (OARs)

Saltwater Trust Allocation

2008-09: $961,000

Aim

To build offshore artificial reefs to increase fish habitat and opportunities for high quality recreational fishing

Background

Following the successful deployment of a number of small artificial reefs in Lake Macquarie, Botany Bay and St Georges Basin, funded by the recreational fishing licence fees, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is investigating building offshore artificial reefs to increase fish habitat and opportunities for high quality recreational fishing. Many modern artificial reefs are built from steel and are known as design specific, being tailored to particular locations and target fish species. The structures are designed to deflect prevailing currents, creating up-wellings, complex water eddies and vortexes; perfect habitat for many demersal and pelagic fish species. An Environmental Assessment of the proposal is currently underway. Pending the results of this assessment DPI proposes to build three offshore artificial reefs, initially off Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong. A scientific monitoring program will assess the suitability of reef design and their potential environmental impact.