Western Australia Minister for Fisheries Dave Kelly

Western Australia Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan

New Fishing Mecca Off Esperance In Place To Attract Anglers

Victor P Taffa

• More than 120 modules have now been deployed for Esperance artificial reef
• Reef is designed to provide locals and tourists access to safe fishing experiences
• Project is the result of community effort and McGowan Government support

Local anglers and recfishing tourists will soon benefit from a new safe fishing experience off Esperance, with the State Government’s latest artificial reef now fully installed.

150-tonne reef, made up of 128 concrete modules, has been deployed over an area twice the size of the Ports Football Oval in Esperance. Community volunteers helped construct the modules which are now positioned across more than 11,000 sqm of seabed.

 

“Like other artificial reef projects around Western Australia, it won’t be long before fishers are hooking into the benefits the new Esperance artificial reef are expected to provide.” Minister for Fisheries Dave Kelly said.

Located about 5 km south-east of Bandy Creek in an area with good access for small craft, it will provide a convenient and safe location for fishers. The artificial reef will create a new ecosystem and marine food web for nearshore, demersal and pelagic finfish species.

“This project has helped the Esperance economy, with all construction materials and labour procured locally, and we applaud the spirit of the local volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to pour the concrete to build the reef modules.” Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project received $595,000 of funding from the State Government through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund and Regional Grants Scheme.