Recfishwest has welcomed the announcement that WA’s largest artificial reef will be deployed off Carnarvon by the end of August, providing a significant boost for recreational fishers in the Gascoyne and across the State.
A total of 300 concrete reef modules will be lowered to the seabed 7km off Pelican Point, covering 90,000 square metres – an area larger than Optus Stadium. The reef will be easily accessible from the town’s boat ramp and provide structure and habitat for species such as pink snapper, mulloway, blue-lined emperor, cod, cobia, trevally and mackerel.
The announcement was made over the weekend at the Carnarvon Coral Bay Road Depot, with Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis, Carnarvon Shire President Eddie Smith, and Recfishwest Partnerships and Business Development Manager Tim Grose in attendance, alongside other key stakeholders.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said the reef was the result of years of advocacy and collaboration by the local community and fishing groups.
“This is a great example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision for better fishing and this is exactly the kind of thing our fishing licence fees should be backing,” Andrew said.
“Artificial reefs are proven assets for supporting local fish populations and providing safe, reliable and enjoyable fishing opportunities. We’re proud to have played a role in helping make this happen for the people of Carnarvon.”
Working together to make fishing better
The project has been delivered in partnership between the Shire of Carnarvon, Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce, Gascoyne Development Commission, DPIRD, and Recfishwest, with the reef modules manufactured locally by Cyan Marine.
Shire President Eddie Smith said the deployment would be a major boost for the town.
“The entire community is going to be pleased to see it going in the water,” he said.
“Every backyard in Carnarvon has a tinny in it and anyone will now be able to go out and catch a good eating fish – it’s going to increase everyone’s capacity to catch a fish.”
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said the reef would deliver important social and economic outcomes for the region.
“It’s fantastic to be in Carnarvon with the local fishing community to announce this major milestone,” Minister Jarvis said.
“Not only will the reef enhance the quality of fishing for locals and visitors, it also aligns with our commitment to invest in regional communities and marine habitat.”
Artificial reefs supporting marine resilience
The Carnarvon reef is the first artificial reef to be deployed in WA since Ocean Reef in 2021, and will be the eighth in WA’s artificial reef network, joining those in Esperance, Exmouth, Dunsborough, Bunbury, Mandurah, Rottnest and Ocean Reef
Beyond the fishing benefits, artificial reefs like this one play an important role in enhancing marine biodiversity and resilience. Recent research from King Reef in Exmouth, conducted by Curtin University and the WA Museum, revealed diverse marine life – including species yet to be formally identified – thriving on the reef structures.
“As we face increasing pressures from climate change and habitat loss, building new reef infrastructure is one of the ways we can help support marine ecosystems and sustain fish populations for future generations,” Dr Rowland said.
The reef will begin deployment in coming weeks and is expected to become a key fishing destination for both Carnarvon locals and travelling fishers.
The Carnarvon Artificial Reef was made possible by the WA Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund and led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, with support from the Gascoyne Development Commission and Recfishwest.
