NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF INSTALLED IN PORT PHILLIP BAY

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NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF INSTALLED IN PORT PHILLIP BAY

Post by fishingvic » Sat May 28, 2022 12:47 pm

NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF INSTALLED IN PORT PHILLIP BAY


Saturday, 28 May 2022

NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF INSTALLED IN PORT PHILLIP BAY

Fishers will reap the rewards of a new artificial reef, which has now been installed in Port Phillip Bay.
Ministerfor Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the new reef will create more recreational fishing opportunities,
as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan.
The new reef includes 16 purpose-built modules – which have been deployed north of Observatory Point inside
Port Phillip Heads.
Each module is four metres wide at the base and five metres high, in an open pyramid design – and will attract
pelagic fish – particularly kingfish.
The reef is in addition to the Labor Government’s $2.5 million investment to create more fish habitat in Port Phillip
Bay, with rocky reefs installed in Corio Bay and shellfish reefs at several locations in 2021.
The six hectares of revitalised reef has since provided nursery habitat and will boost fish numbers, clean water and
enhance marine biodiversity.
Installing these reefs completes the Go Fishing Victoria plan, which has also seen the end of commercial net fishing
in the bay – leaving more than 600 tonnes of extra fish for recreational fishers to reel in.
Nets have also been removed from the Gippsland Lakes, a brand-new native fish hatchery has been built at Arcadia
securing Victoria’s native fish future, all boat ramps have been made free, and a record 10 million fish has been
stocked across Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
“We’re creating more recreational fishing opportunities and encouraging more Victoriansto get outdoors and spend
time by the water by installing this new artificial reef in Port Phillip Bay.”
“This reef will attract kingfish and create new habitat for the bay’s diverse marine life – as well as also contributing
to our local economy.”

Media contact: Sarah Vanin 0410 982 745 | sarah.vanin@minstaff.vic.gov.au

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