New artificial reef for Darwin
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 4:40 pm
NT Govt PRESS RELEASE, April, 16, 2012
Old Prawn Trawler to be Sunk off Darwin
A 24 metre prawn trawler previously working in the Northern Prawn Fleet will be sunk off
Darwin – a further boost to the Territory’s artificial reef system and another commitment by the
NT Government to keep making fishing better in the Top End.
The steel trawler - Amelia C – will be scuttled at Fenton Patches artificial reef area, 25km from
Darwin.
“Recreational fishing is loved by Territorians and visitors alike, and the NT Government wants
to make sure we continue providing the opportunities to land the big fish of a lifetime,” Mr
Vatskalis said.
“I am so pleased to be able to announce again today another deployment to add to our ever
increasing artificial reef system. I particularly want to thank the owner of the trawler, Mr Peter
Zaknich, who kindly donated the vessel for use as an artificial reef.
“So while the Amelia C once plied our oceans in search of her next catch, she will now
become an attraction herself for fish!”
Mr Vatskalis said the preparation, towage and scuttling of the vessel will be tendered and is
expected to be sunk in coming weeks.
Today’s announcement follows last month’s tendering to deploy more than 50 tonne of
concrete pipes and culverts into the Harbour. This will be deployed off Lee Point later this
week.
Two locations have been selected in the waters off Lee Point to deploy the concrete material,
creating a home and breeding ground for fish species such as snappers, emperors, trevallies
and mackerel.
“The NT Government provides $1 million into fishing infrastructure each year to assist in
upgrading and maintaining our boat ramps, as well as with deployment of artificial reef
systems into the harbour.
“The Territory has a world renowned reputation for fishing and it doesn’t get that by accident,;’
Mr Vatskalis said.
“By expanding our reefs we are improving recreational fishing in and around Darwin Harbour
making fishing more accessible to everyone."
Old Prawn Trawler to be Sunk off Darwin
A 24 metre prawn trawler previously working in the Northern Prawn Fleet will be sunk off
Darwin – a further boost to the Territory’s artificial reef system and another commitment by the
NT Government to keep making fishing better in the Top End.
The steel trawler - Amelia C – will be scuttled at Fenton Patches artificial reef area, 25km from
Darwin.
“Recreational fishing is loved by Territorians and visitors alike, and the NT Government wants
to make sure we continue providing the opportunities to land the big fish of a lifetime,” Mr
Vatskalis said.
“I am so pleased to be able to announce again today another deployment to add to our ever
increasing artificial reef system. I particularly want to thank the owner of the trawler, Mr Peter
Zaknich, who kindly donated the vessel for use as an artificial reef.
“So while the Amelia C once plied our oceans in search of her next catch, she will now
become an attraction herself for fish!”
Mr Vatskalis said the preparation, towage and scuttling of the vessel will be tendered and is
expected to be sunk in coming weeks.
Today’s announcement follows last month’s tendering to deploy more than 50 tonne of
concrete pipes and culverts into the Harbour. This will be deployed off Lee Point later this
week.
Two locations have been selected in the waters off Lee Point to deploy the concrete material,
creating a home and breeding ground for fish species such as snappers, emperors, trevallies
and mackerel.
“The NT Government provides $1 million into fishing infrastructure each year to assist in
upgrading and maintaining our boat ramps, as well as with deployment of artificial reef
systems into the harbour.
“The Territory has a world renowned reputation for fishing and it doesn’t get that by accident,;’
Mr Vatskalis said.
“By expanding our reefs we are improving recreational fishing in and around Darwin Harbour
making fishing more accessible to everyone."