Biggest artificial reef in world?
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 2:22 pm
Territory’s Biggest Ever Artificial Reef - Biggest in World?
Fishing just got that much better with the largest ever reef sinking in the Territory undertaken in
Darwin Harbour today.
Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis said the Territory’s artificial reef system was now expanded
with the sinking of 600 by six metre long steel reinforced concrete culverts near Lee Point.
That is 3.6km of reef if laid end to end.
“Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in the Territory and a huge tourist drawcard, and
the Henderson Labor Government is determined to do everything it can to keep making the
experience even better,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“This is why we continue to invest in our artificial reef system, because by expanding it we are
increasing the habitat for fish and improving the opportunity to land a big one.
“This latest addition to our reef system is by far the largest we have ever had, with the unused
ERA-donated concrete culverts being used to attract reef fish just off Lee Point.”
“The location for the largest ever artificial reef was selected as it is within reach of even small
boat anglers.”
Lee Point is located a very short distance from both the Buffalo Creek and Nightcliff Boat
Ramps. The NT Government has funded the transport of the culverts from where they were
manufactured in Winnellie and sinking at Lee Point.
Mr Vatskalis said the sinking of the culverts follow the scuttling earlier this year of a 22-metre
former fishing vessel and a decommissioned steel barge which was sunk off the Territory coast.
“Fenton Patches already is a proven hotspot where anglers encounter many fish species from
jewfish to billfish,” he said.
The NT Government announced earlier this year $1 million will be spent enhancing recreational
fishing experience for Territorians.
The funding will continue the fishing infrastructure program for new and upgraded facilities and
improved recreational fishing opportunities across the NT, including the scuttling of this latest
reef system.
Fishing just got that much better with the largest ever reef sinking in the Territory undertaken in
Darwin Harbour today.
Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis said the Territory’s artificial reef system was now expanded
with the sinking of 600 by six metre long steel reinforced concrete culverts near Lee Point.
That is 3.6km of reef if laid end to end.
“Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in the Territory and a huge tourist drawcard, and
the Henderson Labor Government is determined to do everything it can to keep making the
experience even better,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“This is why we continue to invest in our artificial reef system, because by expanding it we are
increasing the habitat for fish and improving the opportunity to land a big one.
“This latest addition to our reef system is by far the largest we have ever had, with the unused
ERA-donated concrete culverts being used to attract reef fish just off Lee Point.”
“The location for the largest ever artificial reef was selected as it is within reach of even small
boat anglers.”
Lee Point is located a very short distance from both the Buffalo Creek and Nightcliff Boat
Ramps. The NT Government has funded the transport of the culverts from where they were
manufactured in Winnellie and sinking at Lee Point.
Mr Vatskalis said the sinking of the culverts follow the scuttling earlier this year of a 22-metre
former fishing vessel and a decommissioned steel barge which was sunk off the Territory coast.
“Fenton Patches already is a proven hotspot where anglers encounter many fish species from
jewfish to billfish,” he said.
The NT Government announced earlier this year $1 million will be spent enhancing recreational
fishing experience for Territorians.
The funding will continue the fishing infrastructure program for new and upgraded facilities and
improved recreational fishing opportunities across the NT, including the scuttling of this latest
reef system.