Public consultation has determined the preferred site for Perth’s new artificial reef will be offshore from the Ocean Reef Marina, as part of the McGowan Government’s $1 million Northern Artificial Reef Project.
The site, located about eight to 10 kilometres from shore, was chosen due to this area being the most easily accessible from Hillarys, Ocean Reef and Mindarie marinas.
The exact positioning, size and design of the reef will be determined after the completion of an in-water survey and further consultation with Recfishwest.
The reef will be predominantly constructed of low relief concrete modules designed for multiple species including samson fish, silver trevally, pink snapper and breaksea cod, which will provide quality fishing opportunities without recfishers needing to travel long distances.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will continue to work with Recfishwest to undertake the tender process for completion of the environmental approval, design, fabrication and installation of the artificial reef. The reef is planned to be in place by early 2020.
Earlier this year, the Minister for Fisheries also unveiled reefs in Exmouth and Esperance. Artificial reefs are funded from recreational fishing licence fees that are invested back into recreational fishing through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.
This year the McGowan Government has worked with Recfishwest to invest $1.9 million of fishing licence fees into projects that directly benefit the Western Australian fishing community.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:
“The McGowan Government went to the election with a commitment to improve recreational fishing in WA and we are delivering on that commitment.
“This metro artificial reef is great news for anglers looking for a new fishing experience – but also great news for jobs and the economy.
“We know that this location will service some of Perth’s most popular boat ramps and the growing northern suburbs population.
“I thank all community members who took the time to attend public meetings and complete the online survey, run through Recfishwest, to determine the best location for WA’s seventh artificial reef.
“The survey concluded the most important consideration for fishers in choosing the reef location was for it to cover the largest possible area and be located at a suitable depth where both divers and line fishers can access it.”
As stated by Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
“We have an active boating, fishing and diving community in the northern suburbs that I am sure will enjoy the benefits from an investment of an artificial reef off the Ocean Reef Marina.”
As stated by Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard:
“This is a positive initiative for the northern suburbs boating and fishing community, which will ease some of the strain on existing reefs in the area.”
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