Ballina Offshore Artificial Reef

NSW DPI's 12th offshore artificial reef project is underway. The primary objective of the works is to improve offshore recreational fishing opportunities by creating new fish habitat and providing additional fishing locations.

The Ballina reef proposal will complement existing successful artificial reef installations off Sydney, Shoalhaven Heads, Port Macquarie, Southern Sydney, Merimbula, Newcastle, Wollongong, Tweed Heads, Eurobodalla and the Forster and Terrigal locations due for installation in 2023.

Constraints mapping is currently underway to identify an environmentally suitable location for a reef in an area south of the Richmond River mouth within NSW State waters.

DPI is now seeking feedback on the study area indicated by the red box in the map below. Approximate centre point coordinates of the study area are 28°55.400'S, 153°35.100'E where the depth ranges from approximately 35 – 45 metres.

Previous reef installations have proven to be very effective in creating productive fish habitat for a diverse range of recreationally important fish species including Kingfish, Snapper, Mulloway, Yellowtail Scad and Blue Mackerel.

The specific design of the reef will be determined by a government tender process and is likely to include two steel structures. The reef will have approximately 20 metres of safe vessel clearance above each structure.

The works will be implemented using funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust. Considerable planning will be undertaken with site selection to ensure the reef will provide recreational fishing benefits in the Ballina region while minimising impacts on existing users of the site.

To provide feedback or request further information on the proposal please contact us on:

Fisheries.enhancement@dpi.nsw.gov.au or on

0457 664 062