THE Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will host an information session next week about the proposal to install an offshore artificial reef off the NSW South Coast.
DPI Recreational Fisheries Programs Manager, Bryan VanderWalt, said the NSW Government recently announced the DPI would be deploying an offshore recreational fishing reef in the Shoalhaven area to increase recreational fishing opportunities.
“This follows on from the successful deployment of the state’s first offshore recreational reef off Sydney in 2011,” Mr VanderWalt said.
“This reef has proved to be very popular with recreational fishers with monitoring from DPI fisheries experts having recorded over 20 species of fish so far, including good numbers of yellowtail kingfish, snapper and blue morwong.
“It is proposed to construct the Shoalhaven recreational fishing reef using up to 30 individual concrete modules and will be deployed in a patch-like arrangement with a total reef volume will be around 800m3.
“The DPI is undertaking an environmental assessment of the proposed recreational fishing reef and has recently completed a detailed site mapping to identify potential deployment areas.
“As part of the EA, DPI is also currently undertaking consultation with all relevant stakeholders and government agencies.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in the project to come along to an information session, where DPI staff will give a presentation on the reef proposal as well as conduct a question and answer session with DPI reef experts.”
The information session will be held on:
Date: 17 October 2013
Time: 6 pm till 7:30 pm
Location: South Coast Fisheries Office, 59 Berry Street Nowra
If you cannot attend the information session, please email or post your comments to either of the addresses below. It would also be helpful to provide reasons or relevant data to support any comments:
By Email: fisheries.enhancement@dpi.nsw.gov.au
By Post:
Shoalhaven Recreational Fishing Reef
NSW DPI
LMB 3020 Nowra NSW 2541
If you wish your comments or submission to remain confidential, please mark ‘Confidential’
For further information contact (02) 6691 9673 or email: fisheries.enhancement@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
