WA’s first artificial reef to be trialled, Grylls

Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 17-November-2011

The Liberal-National Government today announced the go ahead for a $2.12million initiative to establish the State’s first artificial reef trial on the South West coast.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said the South-West Recreational Fishing Enhancement Pilot Project was designed to increase available habitat for key fish species.

“If these structures meet their potential, they will benefit the local environment and local communities; complement Western Australia’s robust and adaptive fisheries’ management approach; and help ensure fish stocks are kept sustainable,” Mr Moore said.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the project, funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, would be established at Geographe Bay.

“Geographe Bay is a prime location that could benefit from the installation of purpose-built artificial reef structures,” Mr Grylls said.

“This trial is the first of its kind in WA and has strong community support from the Shire of Busselton and Recfishwest, the peak body representing recreational fishers.”

Recfishwest will work with the Department of Fisheries and the South-West community to identify priority locations for the trial structures.

The project announcement follows yesterday’s signing of an agreement between the State Government and the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency to share information on the development of artificial reefs and sustainable fisheries management, for mutual benefit.

Mr Moore said the Memorandum of Understanding would allow the Department of Fisheries and Korea Fisheries Resources Agency to identify and harness opportunities for research and development projects and facilitate the transfer of expertise, technology and capacity.

“This agreement represents a unique opportunity for our State to learn and benefit from work the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency has put into artificial reef development as we consider these structures as a potential option to help ensure future fish stocks are kept sustainable.  At the same time, the agency will have access to WA advice and expertise on matters related to the management of fish stocks, including monitoring and assessment, fisheries compliance and aquatic biosecurity,” he said.

Mr Moore said the Federal Government’s proposed marine sanctuary within Geographe Bay may prevent it being used as a focal area for the trial.

“The State Government will be making strong representation to the Federal Government to ensure the bay is available for all users, including fishers,” he said.