Tag: Esperance jetty

Tantalizing prospect of potential artificial reef for Esperance Jetty

Fishing for species like Samson fish, skippy and squid from Esperance Jetty is likely to go to the next level with the potential installation of multiple artificial reef modules around the popular structure next year.

The Shire of Esperance is partnering with Recfishwest to explore the delivery of an artificial reef system, which will be the first large-scale artificial reef in WA that is accessible to land-based anglers and everyone in the community.

Recfishwest Programs Manager James Florisson told the ABC, “It could comprise of between 50-200 scientifically designed, purpose-built reef modules, which will increase the amount and diversity of habitat for marine organisms, in turn creating more fish and even better and more accessible fishing.

“It will be important and iconic, because there’s not a large amount of land-based fishing access like this around town for kids on bikes or anyone with two-wheel drive cars and you won’t need a boat or specialised gear to fish it.”

Click on the image above to listen to James Florisson’s chat with ABC Esperance regarding the exciting prospect of artificial reef modules being deployed off Esperance Jetty!

James speaks from experience having grown up in Esperance cutting his angling teeth as a “jetty rat” fishing on the old Esperance Tanker Jetty and having provided input into the design of the fishing features on the new jetty.

He also helped install Esperance’s existing artificial reef “Cooper Reef” in 2019, which comprises of 128 modules, 5km south-east of Bandy Creek in 30m of water which has helped enhance fishing for species such as nannygai, queen snapper and skippy. To see some of the great fish species now thriving around Cooper Reef, click here.

The next step in the jetty artificial reef project will require attaining Commonwealth environmental approvals, which will take roughly 12 months to complete – the expectation is that installation of the reefs will take place following community and stakeholder consultation in late 2025.

James and Recfishwest applauds the Shire of Esperance for their appreciation of the importance of fishing to the local community and their investment in it.

As someone who grew up in Esperance fishing off the boat and land as often as he could, James is all for these artificial reef modules to be deployed around the Esperance Jetty to help boost the marine abundance and land-based fishing opportunities for locals.

Tender announced for state-of-the-art recfishing-friendly jetty in Esperance

In a great win for recfishers in the Goldfields-Esperance region, the Shire of Esperance has announced a tender to replace the old Tanker Jetty with a state-of-the-art structure with recreational fishing accessibility and features at the heart of its design.

Recfishwest were consulted by Albany-based H+H Architects at key stages throughout the design process and we are pleased to see our input and recommendations appear to have been very much taken on board.

Once built, the 400m long $7.5m jetty will incorporate a number of fishing experience-enhancing features including:

  • A widened modern fishing jetty component which will allow enough space for fishers to fish either side of the gangway;
  • Lower platforms to accommodate fishing and diving access;
  • Fishability ‘set-downs’ to allow people in wheelchairs and scooters to fish easily from the jetty;
  • Jetty-based fish-cleaning station positioned over water;
  • Fish-friendly lighting to fishing areas; and
  • Fisher-friendly railings and built-in fishing seats.
The design concept for the new jetty by H+H Architects featuring many fishing experience-enhancing features.

There was a local community outcry when the 84-year-old jetty was closed in December 2015 due to being in a state of disrepair that left it posing an “extreme risk”.

The jetty had long been an iconic fishing spot and its closure left a big hole in available accessible fishing spots for local fishers and visiting tourists keen on wetting a line.

South East Coast Recreational Fishing Council President Graham Cooper told Recfishwest the Esperance community was pleased the new jetty had taken a step closer to becoming a reality.

“A good, safe fishing platform in Esperance is a must for the local community and tourism – particularly for young fishers as there are limited land-based options in the area,” he said.

Recfishwest support the investment in facilities that make fishing accessible to everyone in the community and we gave our official backing to the Shire to secure funding for the project.

We believe once constructed the new jetty will revive and revitalise a key community fishing hub and help bring valuable dollars to the local economy through bait and tackle sales and tourism.

One potential downside to the design for the new jetty is that at least initially it won’t be as long as the old jetty which gave access to fishers to deeper water and species like Samson fish and tuna.

But the widening of the jetty will allow more fishers access onto the jetty and our understanding is that the design could allow for future extension of the structure.

While there is a way to go yet before the dream of a new Esperance jetty is realised – the announcement of a five-week tender for its construction and the Shire’s commitment to a 10-step plan for the deconstruction of the old jetty and its replacement with a new ýoubeaut’ one is great news for the recfishing community.

The design concept for the new jetty by H+H Architects featuring many fishing experience-enhancing features.

For many decades the old Tanker Jetty provided immense value to generations of recreational fishers from all walks of life, some chasing a feed of herring to enjoy with their family and friends and others endlessly casting stickbaits off the end for that elusive bonito.

It was also enjoyed by divers, snorkelers, walkers and nature enthusiasts, many of the latter which were charmed by the resident sea lion.

With a design that incorporates heritage values and, once built, will incorporate some of the recycled materials from the original jetty, it is hoped the new structure will continue to add to the old Tanker Jetty’s legacy.

Recfishwest will continue to monitor the progress of the project ensuring it moves along to a successful outcome for the fishing community and for the local economy with the dollars that recfishers bring to the town and the region.

Photo credit top banner image: Michele Campbell