Mandurah’s artificial reef is “way ahead of schedule” in terms of attracting marine life to the coastline, according to Recfishwest research officer James Florisson.
A video checkup on the four-hectare structure in September revealed the reef is now home to 17 different species of fish and has colonised marine growth like macro algae, soft corals and sponges.
The numbers far exceed the expectations placed on the reef when it was installed on a barren seafloor in April, with Mr Florrison already labeling it a hub of marine life.
“To see so many fish living on the reef and using it to their advantage is very encouraging,” he said.
“Having it already densely populated just six months into the project is great – it tells us it has a massive future.
“Fish species basically have a new home where they have shelter from predators and find prey.”
The success of Mandurah’s man-made habitat, along with pre-existing structures in Bunbury and Dunsborough, is a positive indicator that more artificial reefs will be installed around the state in the coming years.
“Artificial reef projects such as Dunsborough, Bunbury and Mandurah are pioneering the rapid development of artificial reefs in Western Australia,” Mr Florrison said.
“After seeing the success of these three reefs there have been numerous requests from communities and fishing clubs throughout the state who would love to see artificial reefs in their area.”
The success of the structure is also a boon for Mandurah’s fishing and tourism sector, with anglers able to scour the waters without concern of over-fishing.
Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club committee member Gary Russell-Brown said the reef’s convenient accessibility teamed with the species of fish already living on it made it a haven for anglers.
“The reef is only nine kilometres off shore so it will take your standard boat only about half an hour or so to get there, making it a good spot for families to have a day out on the water,” he said.
“It’s probably slightly premature to be fishing it regularly right now, but in a few months’ time it will be a hot spot for prized fish species.
“In turn that benefits tourism as people will come from outside the area to fish the reef.”
The shelter is already home to samson fish, pink snapper, boarfish, baldchin groper, blue groper, king george whiting, yellowtail kingfish and gummy sharks.
The Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club and the Port Bouvard Fishing Club were instrumental in the reef’s installation.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
