- 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.
Comments attributed to 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."
