Deployment of 116 artificial reef modules will commence aheadof schedule tomorrow under the Territory Labor Governments $8.3 millionArtificial Reef project.
The project forms part of the governments $50 millionelection commitment to enhance recreational fishing infrastructure creatingfour football field sized, scientifically designed reefs.
The reef modules are concrete structures which have been madelocally by Shorecast NT, designed to sit on the sea floor and replicate the bestpossible natural reef habitat.
Due to tides and weather conditions, deployment will commencein the evening. It will take approximately a month for all 116 modules to beshipped and dropped into their new locations.
It is expected to take two to three years for the reefs tofully establish, however recreational fishers will notice benefits almostimmediately.
The reefs will be located in the Greater Darwin region, two betweenNorth Gutter and Lee Point, one in the Dundee region, and one between theVernon Islands and Cape Hotham.
As stated by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources,Paul Kirby:
This project is an exciting one for all recreational fishers,and to be at deployment stage ahead of schedule is even better.
The reefs are designed not only to be fantastic for fishing,but to increase long term fisheries production and enhance the sustainabilityof key fishery resources.
This keystone project is part of the Northern TerritoryGovernments commitment to expand and improve recreational fishing as alifestyle activity and tourism feature in the Top End.
