Recreational fishers in the Gascoyne have a brand-new fishing hotspot, with the Carnarvon Artificial Reef now fully deployed and ready to fish.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REEF COORDINATES AND ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WA’S LATEST ARTIFICIAL REEF
Located just seven kilometres from the town’s boat ramps, the reef is made up of 300 purpose-built concrete Apollo modules laid out across an area larger than Optus Stadium – making it WA’s biggest artificial reef to date and one of the most accessible.
A game-changer for local fishing
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said the new reef would transform fishing opportunities for the Carnarvon community and visitors to the region.
“Local fishers have long dreamed of an artificial reef off Carnarvon, and this is a game-changer,” Andrew said.
“With much of the region’s seafloor being relatively flat and featureless, the reef will act as a haven for marine life and support top-quality fishing. It will quickly support species like pink snapper, black snapper, tuskfish and mulloway, as well as pelagics like trevally, cobia and mackerel.
“We’ve seen King Reef in Exmouth Gulf explode with marine life and fish soon after deployment and we know it will be the same if not even better here. It is a fantastic addition for a fishing-obsessed community like Carnarvon.”
Excitement on the ground
That excitement is being shared by Carnarvon locals. Scott “Clarkey” Clarke, owner of Telomac Tackle and Camping, said, “Everyone’s pumped – especially the guys with small tinnies. You’ll get a lot of fish in a localised area without having to steam out to the islands, which is perfect for families and kids. Pinkies, mulloway, trevally, tailor, black snapper – who knows what else.
“That’s what makes it so exciting – the unknown potential. It’s 100 per cent a great idea for a town that loves its fishing – and now it’s here, we can’t wait.”
Watch Recfishwest’s Tim Grose and Cyan Renewable’s Andrew Kikeros talk through the reef modules designed to optimise fishing
Looking ahead
The Carnarvon reef is the eighth artificial reef in WA – and the first deployed in five years. Recfishwest says it certainly won’t be the last.
“Artificial reefs deliver great fishing opportunities, enhance marine habitat and bring real social and economic benefits to coastal communities,” Andrew said.
“We’ll be working hard to ensure WA fishers don’t have to wait another five years for the next one.”
Backed by a $1.4 million investment through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, the project was delivered by DPIRD with support from the Gascoyne Development Commission, Recfishwest, the Shire of Carnarvon and the Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said the reef would deliver big benefits for both fishers and the local economy.
“Carnarvon’s artificial reef is now complete and ready to be enjoyed by local rec fishers and visitors from across the State,” she said. “This fantastic recreational and tourism asset will boost the fishing experience in the Gascoyne, drive visitation to the region and provide ongoing economic benefits to Carnarvon and surrounds.”
