New artificial reef installed in Port Phillip Bay
by Sarah Vanin 29 May 2022 07:53 AEST
Artificial reef © Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body
Fishers will reap the rewards of a new artificial reef, which has now been installed in Port Phillip Bay.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the new reef will create more recreational fishing opportunities, as part of the Andrews Labor Government's $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan.
The new reef includes 16 purpose-built modules - which have been deployed north of Observatory Point inside Port Phillip Heads.
Each module is four metres wide at the base and five metres high, in an open pyramid design - and will attract pelagic fish - particularly kingfish.
The reef is in addition to the Labor Government's $2.5 million investment to create more fish habitat in Port Phillip Bay, with rocky reefs installed in Corio Bay and shellfish reefs at several locations in 2021.
The six hectares of revitalised reef has since provided nursery habitat and will boost fish numbers, clean water and enhance marine biodiversity.
Installing these reefs completes the Go Fishing Victoria plan, which has also seen the end of commercial net fishing in the bay - leaving more than 600 tonnes of extra fish for recreational fishers to reel in.
Nets have also been removed from the Gippsland Lakes, a brand-new native fish hatchery has been built at Arcadia securing Victoria's native fish future, all boat ramps have been made free, and a record 10 million fish has been stocked across Victoria.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne:
"We're creating more recreational fishing opportunities and encouraging more Victorians to get outdoors and spend time by the water by installing this new artificial reef in Port Phillip Bay."
"This reef will attract kingfish and create new habitat for the bay's diverse marine life - as well as also contributing to our local economy."