- Cook Governmentcommits $1.4 million for new artificial reef off Carnarvon
- Tender process now open for reef fabrication and installation
- New reef will become Western Australia's eighth artificial reef, providing more recreational fishing opportunities across the State
Fisheries Minister Don Punch has announced $1.4 million funding today to create a new artificial reef off the Carnarvon coast, providing a new recreational fishing hot spot for the Gascoyne region.
The tender to fabricate and install the artificial reef is open until 22 May and local providers are encouraged to apply.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has worked with Recfishwest, the Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce and the Shire of Carnarvon on the project, with the reef expected to be in the water by the end of year.
The reef will be located off the Carnarvon coast, approximately 7 kilometres south-west of Pelican Point and spanning a nine-hectare area.
It will be constructed from purpose-built modules made of steel reinforced concrete providing a unique underwater habitat designed to attract commonly targeted fish species including cobia, mulloway, tailor, and trevally.
Artificial reefs are funded from recreational fishing licence fees that are invested back into recreational fishing, through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.
The Carnarvon reef will be the eighth artificial reef to go in the water along the Western Australian coastline.
Other reefs are located off Ocean Reef, Dunsborough, Bunbury, Mandurah, south of Rottnest Island, Esperance and in Exmouth Gulf.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Government is committed to building infrastructure to support Western Australian recreational fishing because we know it's a great experience.
"We know creating habitats like artificial reefs are a great way to support recreational fishing by providing new and enhanced fishing opportunities.
"I'm pleased to see the tender process is underway for Carnarvon artificial reef to create a new fishing and diving hotspot for local fishers and visitors to the region.
"Congratulations to Recfishwest, the Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce and the Shire of Carnarvon for your collaboration on this important project for the region.
"Our Government will continue to invest in regional projects like this which provide direct benefits to local businesses, with the potential to create jobs and tourism opportunities in the future."
