Artificial reefs to supercharge fish stocks

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen and Reef Catchments CEO Katrina Dent examine the project plans.

Artificial reefs will be planted on the Mackay and Whitsunday Coasts to boost fish stocks after an innovative project proposal received a $298,925 grant through the Morrison Liberal National Government’s Fisheries Habitat Restoration programme.

Reef Catchments’ ‘Rubble to Reef’ project will involve planting reef habitat modules in the inshore areas of the Mackay and Whitsunday coasts in order to stimulate the growth of all marine life from coral to fish.

These artificial reef systems will encourage a long-term increase in local fish populations which is great news for the many keen fishers we have in the Mackay and Whitsundays.

It’s great to see funding from the Morrison Liberal National Government going towards these kinds of pioneering projects that can deliver measurable environmental outcomes and have a positive impact on the community.

A total of 30 reef modules will be strategically placed in two separate locations, to be decided by local recreational fishing groups, to produce the best long-term outcomes of improved fish stocks.

This project involves the fishing community right from the planning phase until the time when they’re pulling lines out of the water.

Local fishers will have the best knowledge of these waters, so it makes sense that they will big say in deciding where these modules will be deployed.

The Morrison Liberal National Government is investing $8 million in 28 projects across the country under the Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program to assist in restoring the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.