SYDNEY anglers who are floundering when it comes to hooking the big one are being given a helping hand, with construction steaming ahead on the largest off-shore artificial reef yet to be built in NSW.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the reef at Port Hacking will be the fourth of its kind deployed by the NSW Government since 2011.
“We are world leaders in the design and construction of these reefs – we already have a number of successful reefs in both estuarine and open waters,” Mr Blair said.
“NSW is known for its magnificent fishing locations and these reefs further enhance our reputation among recreational fishers.
“The structure itself is remarkable, each module weighs 25 tonnes and measures five metres high by four metres wide.
“When construction finishes there will be 36 modules which will be towed to the installation site just south of Port Hacking.
“It’s not just Sydney anglers who can enjoy these reefs, Merimbula was recently announced as the next location for an offshore artificial reef and soon we will announce the locations for four more reefs in NSW.
“Everywhere I go, fishers ask if they can have one – I can’t wait to see anglers up and down the coast enjoying the benefits these reefs have to offer.”
The modules are self-weighted and don’t require any additional anchoring. Steel towers will also be erected on some of the modules to increase the total height to eight metres.
The artificial reefs are a complex design creating intricate habitats for a variety of fish species – existing artificial reefs have already attracted 50 species, including popular ones like yellowtail kingfish, snapper and mulloway.
The reefs remain productive for decades, are non-polluting with a minimum design-life of 30 years and are able to withstand a one-in- 100-year storm event.
Thanks to the efforts of the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, ANSA (NSW Branch) and the South Sydney Amateur Fishing Association funding was secured through Transport for NSW Port Botany Boating and Fishing Infrastructure Fund.
You can watch a news report about Sydney’s artificial reefs below.
