THE WATERS of Mandurah will soon be home to a new aquatic habitat with the development and construction of an artificial reef nine kilometres offshore.
The reef, constructed of 30 3x3m concrete modules, will be built on an existing “sandy desert” 25 metres below the water’s surface, and will be spread across four hectares.
It is hoped that the reef will improve the biodiversity of marine flora and fauna, as well as increase opportunities for local fishermen.
The news is especially timely, with marine researchers in Broome discovering bleached corals on reefs off the Kimberly coast.
Recfishwest chief Andrew Roland said the location was carefully selected with the aid of various community stakeholders, including Mandurah Offshore and Sailing Club and Port Bouvard Fishing Club.
“The local fishing community has real ownership of this development and has provided expert advice so that this new reef maximises fishing opportunities for everyone in the region,” Dr Rowland said.
“The Mandurah reef will be nine kilometres from shore in an area easily accessible for families with small boats leaving from either the Mandurah estuary mouth or the Dawesville Cut.”
Dr Rowland said the reef will develop into a complex marine habitat in a short time and would support a diverse fish community, including pink snapper, skippy and samson fish, once developed.
“This project has been a long time in the making and Recfishwest and the community are thankful for the strong support from local MP and keen fisher Dr Kim Hames,” Dr Rowland said.
“Recfishwest and the wider fishing public are extremely pleased that recreational fishing licence money is being reinvested into projects that enhance the recreational fishing experience.
“These types of projects are highly valued by the community.”
Fisheries minister Joe Francis said the reef would mirror those placed off the coast of Bunbury and Dunsborough in 2013, which had paid dividends to their local fishing communities.
“It will be created using 30 modules, each weighing 10 tonnes, which are designed to increase biodiversity while providing great fishing,” Mr Francis said.
“The artificial reef will be located nine kilometres offshore, due west of Halls Head, in 25 metres of water.
“Many West Australians already flock to Mandurah each year to fish for prized blue swimmer crabs and this initiative will provide another reason to visit, as well as bringing flow-on benefits to local businesses.”
The reef was funded through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, which draws on revenue from recreational fishing license fees.
“Every dollar of recreational licence fee money is reinvested into recreational fishing, be it through artificial reefs, restocking projects, management, compliance or research,” he said.
