More Artificial Reefs Planned For Lake Macquarie

[Dreamtime]

The NSW Government is looking to expand its artificial reefs program in Lake Macquarie, following the success of six reefs which were placed in the lake three years ago, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald announced today.

Lake Macquarie was the first recreational fishing haven in NSW to trial the artificial reefs in 2005, with similar reefs deployed in Botany Bay in June 2006 and St Georges Basin in February 2007.

"Recreational fishing groups have been so impressed with the reefs in Lake Macquarie, they have been calling to expand the project and that’s what we plan to do," Minister Macdonald said.

"An environmental report on the proposed expansion has been prepared and a development application will need to be approved by Lake Macquarie City Council.

"Two years of scientific monitoring of the artificial reefs in the lake have shown that they have created valuable fish habitat, with over 40 species of fish found living on the reefs.

"These include popular recreational fishing species such as yellowfin bream, snapper, whiting, flathead, yellowtail kingfish and amberjack."

The construction of the reefs was strongly supported by Lake Macquarie City Council, recreational fishers and fishing clubs.

The reefs are made of moulded concrete balls which can be easily moved, or removed completely, if necessary.

Reef balls are made using a special mix of concrete that allows algae to grow quickly, creating ideal marine habitat for fish and invertebrates.

"The artificial reefs program is funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust, so it’s another great example of recreational fishing licence fees being put back into the water for the benefit of the community," Mr Macdonald said.

"Funds raised from the sale of the recreational fishing fee are placed into two trusts, one for saltwater and the other freshwater, and can only be spent on projects to improve recreational fishing in NSW."

In addition new artificial reefs are proposed to be constructed by DPI in Lake Conjola and Merimbula Lake later this year, following approval from consenting authorities. They will also be funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust.

Further reading

Artificial reefs

Media contact: Lyndall Derrig 0400 462 447