Two new artificial reefs will be built in Coffs Harbour and Ballina as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable recreational fishing in the State.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Offshore Artificial Reefs (OARs), which are purpose-built structures installed on the sea floor, will create high-quality fish habitats, which will be a massive boom for recreational fishermen.
“These latest two offshore reefs will bring the total deployed by this Government to 13, spanning waters from Tweed Heads to Merimbula,” Minister Saunders stated.
Minister Saunders added that the man-made reefs provide the ideal marine environment for various fish species, and the State Government hopes to see an abundance of fish in the next years, including Spotted Mackerel, Yellowtail Kingfish, Mulloway, Pearl Perch, and Snapper.
“They also provide a significant boost to our recreational fishers, who contribute a huge $3.4 billion to the NSW economy each year. It’s fantastic news for both of these regions and is another example of how recreational fishing fees are being put to work,” the Minister said.
Nearly 1,200 EOI submissions from recreational fishermen were received in 2021, and Forster and the Central Coast were the first regions chosen for new OARs to be completed this year.
Coffs Harbour and Ballina are the most recent regions to be picked through this procedure, with completion scheduled for 2024.
Fisher support, the presence of adjacent natural reef, and the distance from previously placed offshore artificial reefs were all factors evaluated.
According to Professor Johann Bell, chair of the Recreational Fishing Advisory Council, the new reef will be welcomed in both regions.
“This use of recreational fishing fees will benefit both local and visiting fishers of all ages, as well as charter fishing and tackle businesses in Coffs and Ballina,” Professor Bell said.
Professor Bell added: “We know how popular fishing is right along our coast, and the reefs will be a great tourism driver, creating the perfect spot to drop a line.”
The NSW Department of Primary Industries will now conduct more extensive evaluations and discussions to establish the best locations for the reefs off Coffs Harbour and Ballina coast.
