Dream come true’ as Australia’s largest purpose-built fishing reef takes shape off Port Hedland

A long-held dream of Port Hedland’s fishing community is becoming reality, with the first concrete poured for Australia’s largest purpose-built fishing reef!

Funded by BHP and delivered with Recfishwest and Pilbara Ports, the reef will feature 300 locally constructed modules, creating new marine habitat and an exciting fishing destination for local families and visitors.

Expected to be completed before Christmas, the reef will sit approximately in around 21 metres of water, supporting prized Pilbara species such as coral trout, Rankin cod, red emperor and Spanish mackerel.

For a community where fishing and boating are part of everyday life, the start of construction marks a milestone built on years of local passion, advocacy and collaboration.

A community dream becoming reality

Hedland-resident and North West Spearfishing Club member Robbie Peck first presented a business case to Recfishwest and BHP for an artificial reef back in 2020. He said seeing it soon become a reality was a “dream come true” for him and the Hedland community.

“It’s really exciting for all of the community, because fishing is huge in Hedland – that’s why many people who move here end up staying long-term – for the fishing and the camping lifestyle.

“So having a completely new fishing location within striking distance of our other spots will be amazing.”

“There isn’t much structure around where the reef is going to be located, but where there is nearby, there is always healthy levels of fish.

“You dive on the channel markers and there’s always stacks of Rankin cod, Bluebone, Coral Trout and other quality fish – so I think we’re going to see a really healthy ecosystem build up quickly on the reef, which is going to be an awesome new fishing spot for the community for generations to come”

“It’s been great to have Recfishwest and BHP get behind the project and turn it into a reality, I think everyone who fishes locally is going to be pumped for this.”

New habitat, better fishing

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said the reef would build on the success of artificial reefs across Western Australia, delivering lasting benefits for the Pilbara community.

“The relatively featureless seafloor off Port Hedland makes this a great opportunity to create new fish habitat and better fishing in a location identified by the community,” Andrew said.

“Port Hedland is a passionate fishing town, with boat ownership around three times the Western Australian average.

“So, it is great to see BHP supporting a project that recognises the importance of fishing to the area and will benefit local families, visitors and the broader region.”

The reef will complement Spoilbank Marina and its two-storey fishing jetty, helping fulfil the community’s vision for better places to fish.

Backing the Pilbara fishing lifestyle

BHP has supported the project since funding feasibility and approvals work in 2020.

BHP WA Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day said the reef would provide a new destination for locals and visitors to enjoy for years to come.

“This is a generational project that will ensure Port Hedland and the Pilbara continue to be great places to live and work,” Tim said.

For Robbie, seeing that support turn into a tangible fishing opportunity is cause for celebration.

“It’s been great to have Recfishwest and BHP get behind the project and turn it into a reality, I think everyone who fishes locally is going to be pumped for this.”