Stimulate the vibrant recreational fishing industry
Artificial reefs remain a focus of the state government’s work to grow and stimulate the vibrant recreational fishing industry in NSW, with another man made structure to soon be deployed off the Tweed Heads coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the new offshore artificial reef is great news for Tweed Heads.
It will be a major drawcard for local fishers and visitors to this spectacular part of our State.
“The NSW Government will invest $1.1 million towards the design and construction of this offshore artificial reef,” Blair said.
“The reef will use an innovative state-of-the-art design which deflects currents to create eddies and upwellings which provide intricate habitats for a variety of fish species and marine life.
“More than 50 different species of fish have been identified on our current offshore artificial reefs, including yellowtail kingfish, snapper and mulloway - which shows just how effective they are in boosting fish habitats.”
“We have been overwhelmed by the popularity of these reefs, everyone wants one and I can’t wait to see more dotted along the NSW coastline.”
Currently, artificial reefs are located at Sydney, Shoalhaven and Port Macquarie.
While other reefs are due to be installed at Port Hacking in September and Merimbula next year.
The NSW Government will announce three more in the coming months.
The offshore artificial reef program shows how the NSW Government is reinvesting fees from recreational fishing licences back into the sector.
The Department of Primary Industries said it will undertake extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure the reefs will have minimal impact on existing uses.
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest said the reef will be a great addition to local waters as fishing is one of the far North Coast’s most popular recreational activities.
“The reef’s location will be discussed and agreed upon by local anglers but will be in close proximity to boat ramps, where there is currently no natural reef,” Provest said.
Specific details, such as the materials to be used and the size and configuration of the artificial reef will be known following public consultation and a tender process.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
More than 50 different species of fish have been identified on offshore artificial reefs including kingfish, snapper and mulloway.
