Having an abundance of healthy fish habitats is the key to having sustainable recreational fisheries. Recfishwest strongly supports projects and initiatives that improve our state’s fish habitats in WA and fish environments.
Recfishwest is also proudly associated with the nation wide Fish Habitat Network.
“Individuals, communities, organisations and government are working together to bring the fish back and ensure that our aquatic environments and fish communities are healthy, diverse and sustainable for future generations.” Fish Habitat Network.com.au
Funding generated from recreational licence fees is being invested to ensure recreational fishing experiences and their relation to the environment remain compatible and sustainable. Recfishwest administers and oversees a number of projects which create new habitat, and improve or restore existing habitat.
Artificial Reefs
The benefits of artificial reefs are recognised around the world and these purpose-built structures are expected to be a boon for the environment and local communities. Artificial reefs in WA will complement Western Australia’s robust and adaptive fisheries management approach ensuring fish stocks remain sustainable.
In January of 2013 the first purpose-built artificial reef in Western Australia was unveiled by the Minister for Fisheries. The $2.38 million investment saw the establishment the State’s first artificial reef trial on the South West coast off Bunbury and Dunsborough, with an aim to increase habitat for key fish species. Royalties for Regions program funding and $520,000 from recreational licencing revenue enabled the artificial reef initiative to come to fruition.
Recfishwest was part of a delegation sent to South Korea, the experts in artificial reef design, to determine the best structure and materials to use in order to maximise production. Reefs are required to be of a certain volume in order to ensure they became habitat production devices, rather than simply drawing fish from other areas. Recfishwest undertook a significant consultation process with local fishers to select the best locations, with locations chosen based on strict environmental parameters such as water currents, depth and bottom type.
The reef modules are designed to create upwellings bringing nutrient rich water from the sea floor to the surface creating phytoplankton and zooplankton blooms. These booms provide the basis for productive food chains and Recfishwest believes artificial reefs have the potential to create new habitat and nursery areas. This will increase productivity in local waters and provide enhanced fishing opportunities for species such as Skippy, Snapper and Samson Fish.
The two reef locations are within five kilometres of shore almost directly in line with existing boat ramps. These reefs will enable safe access for recreational fishers with small boats in Geographe Bay.
The structures will benefit the environment and local communities; complement Western Australia’s robust and adaptive fisheries’ management approach; and help ensure fish stocks remain sustainable.
Additional artificial reefs are planned for deployment in Mandurah in the near future.
Artificial Reefs in WA
Artificial reefs in WA will complement Western Australia’s robust and adaptive fisheries management approach ensuring fish stocks remain sustainable. Find out more in our Artificial Reefs in WA article.
Treen Brook Restoration
To find out more about fish habitat restoration check out our Treen Brook Restoration article.
Restoring Oyster Reefs in Oyster Harbour
Sadly, like in many bays and estuaries across Australia, Oyster Harbour’s abundant oyster reefs have been lost. Check out our Restoring Oyster Reefs in Albany article to see what Recfishwest is doing to identify and restore this important fish habitat.
