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New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 4:40 pm
by Matt Flynn
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."

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 4:53 pm
by darwinguy
Well done to the NT Gov on this hot topic

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:43 pm
by Sister Ed
Have to agree, well done NT Govt

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:14 pm
by nomad
Good on em. They get a lot of flak but they do some good stuff.

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:14 pm
by mako
Great to see the government looking after fishos interests. The contribution recreational fishermen make to the economy is substantial, and its good to see a government that recognizes that fact.

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:58 pm
by jeffish
:D good on em,,,mr K how about a couple of wash down bays at the ramps ,,,nothing flash just a fresh water tap,,,I,ll supply my own hose and fittings :mrgreen:

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:48 pm
by max
WOW the rigging on that boat looks set to claim a few anchors :D

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:15 am
by nomad
max wrote:WOW the rigging on that boat looks set to claim a few anchors :D
I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if they will remove some of it.
jeffish wrote::D good on em,,,mr K how about a couple of wash down bays at the ramps ,,,nothing flash just a fresh water tap,,,I,ll supply my own hose and fittings :mrgreen:
The council removed a lot of taps from the ramps on NSW central coast because the neighbours complained of the noisy motors being started at 3am to flush them
Always someone will bugger things up/

I wonder what the total cost of the whole exercise will be.

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:56 am
by Manton mad
A mate used an old bessa brick on telecom rope at the bottle washer when it was ime to leave he'd just break to rope using the boat
looks like it wall be a great wreck to fish from would like a few closer to town

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 8:47 am
by mick_c
about time they did something with that old girl. she hasnt done a season for a very long time. when they moved her over to the service wharf in the duck pond was the first time ive seen her moved in yrs.

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:06 am
by Jimjanski
Great to see they are making the patches an even better and expananding fishing ground then it already is. Huge fan of fenton and this new boat will only make it better. Its definately well worth the trip out there on a nice night.

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:52 am
by nomad
I laughed when the news presenter said that they weren’t just dumped over the side ‘but gently lowered and placed into exact position on the bottom’
The video showed them just being dumped into the water.
I'd hate to see them dump something :D

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 11:53 am
by pmck12
Great to see. I have to say after fishing in nearly every state that the NT Government take care of Recreational Fisho's better than any other.

Not saying they get everything right, but they do a much better job and generally listen. :mrgreen:

This will only enchance what is already excellent fishing in the Territory, which is why I decided to live here.

Agree with the anchor situation. I really do hope they take some of those fittings off. Can almost see smaller boats nearly sinking themselves trying to retrieve anchors. :cry:

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:03 pm
by Manton mad
Any chance the government could start building reefs,wrecks around the harbour for the smaller boats would be good for everyone I think could use unwanted culverts in the deeper waters near the whalfs not so much the shipping chanels im aure theres plenty of water around the city to do so any thoughts ??

Re: New artificial reef for Darwin

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:09 pm
by nicky84
Anyone knows when is this trawler going to be sinked? would love to tag along and take some pictures and make day out of it on the water :)