'Name a reef' prize in Victorian fishing competition

by Victorian DPI on 11 Apr 2009 All Victorians are invited to make their mark in history by entering a competition to name the first of three new reefs to be deployed into Port Phillip Bay.

By entering the competition Victorians will not only be able to win great fishing prizes but will also have the honour of officially naming one of the state’s newest attractions.

More than $1 million has been invested into the reefs which will be installed in 11 metres of water off Seaford, Frankston and Aspendale and weather permitting they will be built during the next three months.

Each reef will comprise 96 specially shaped concrete balls of different sizes, with a total combined weight of almost 30 tonnes. The reefs promise to be an important addition to enhance marine life in Port Phillip Bay so all Victorians are encouraged to think of a worthy name to attach to the first reef.

The reefs will be situated on barren areas of the seabed which had been selected to minimise interaction with other recreational users such as sailing and jet skiing enthusiasts and commercial fishing operators.

Anglers can expect to see fishing improve for snapper at the reefs each season as the reef habitats progressively establish.

Snapper are expected to be the primary fish species that will call these reefs home but other fish including leatherjacket, wrasse, pike, flathead, whiting, yellow tail scad and possibly kingfish may also seek residence on the reefs.

This project is one of a range of initiatives to improve opportunities and facilities under the Enhanced Recreational Fishing Program.

A scientific monitoring program will be conducted to assess ecological changes, fish habitation and recreational fishing catch rates and angler satisfaction.

The competition to name the first reef officially opened on Saturday 4 April and closes at 5pm on Monday, 13 April. To find out more information about the initiative and rules for the competition, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing.