Work has begun on the construction of four artificial reefswhich will further enhance the Territorys vibrant recreational fishingindustry.
An $8.3M contract has been awarded to local company ShorelandsNT Pty Ltd to construct the reefs in the Beagle Gulf as part of the TerritoryGovernments $50 million investment to improve recreational fishingopportunities.
Northern Territory business Shorelands has joined forces withSubcon Technologies a company that has designed and built 17 artificial reefsacross Australia to deploy four new engineered, artificial reefs a firstfor the Territory.
Shorelands began the concrete pours this month and willconstruct 96 separate steel and concrete modules, which will sit on the seafloor in four different locations and are designed to replicate the bestpossible natural reef habitat.
The new artificial reefs will be located in the Greater Darwinregion, two will be between North Gutter and Lee Point, one in the Dundeeregion and one between the Vernon Islands and Cape Hotham.
They are expected to be installed later this year and while itwill take several years for them to fully establish it shouldnt take too long forrecreational fishers to notice their benefits.
As noted by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, PaulKirby:
The Northern Territory Government has committed to invest $50million over five years in a number of recreational fishing infrastructureprojects to enhance the recreational fishing industry and create jobs.
This important project will improve recreational fishing as alifestyle activity and tourism feature in the Top End, attracting both localand visiting fishers to drop a line in our waters.
As noted by Shorelands managing director Arthur Hamilton:
Shorelands is excited to carry out this world class project inpartnership with Subcon Technologies.
The artificial reefs will be a great asset to theTerritory for recreational fishers and the environment.
As noted by Amateur Fishermens Association of the NorthernTerritory CEO David Ciaravolo:
“These new purpose-built reefs will help create new,exciting and diverse fishing opportunities for Top End fishers and tourists.
“Artificial fish habitat design and construction has come along way and the reefs that will feature in the Top End will beworld class.
