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| Work begins on Moreton Bay's artificial reefs |
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
16/12/2008
Recreational fishers will soon benefit from more fish on the bite as construction begins today on the first artificial reef promised as part of the Bligh Government's $1 million trial artificial reef program.
The artificial reef program is a key element of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan to protect Moreton Bay so that future generations can enjoy all the bay has to offer.
Sustainability Minister, Andrew McNamara, oversaw the deployment of 150 cubic metres of large granite boulders at the Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef east of St Helena Island.
"The Queensland Government committed $1 million to create three trial artificial reefs for recreational fishers following the re-zoning of Moreton Bay Marine Park," Mr McNamara said.
"The first site is being developed at the depleted Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef which was first established in the mid 1970s.
"This is a popular site for mum and dad fishers and is an appropriate location to establish the first of three artificial reefs.
"The other trial artificial reefs are planned to be developed north of Moreton Island and east of Bribie Island.
"The EPA will monitor the sites to examine how quickly marine life is established at the new reefs.
"The three sites were selected following consultation with fishers, other stakeholders and government agencies and after extensive mapping by the EPA.
"Work will continue throughout next year, with plans to investigate the use of a number of purpose built structures at the three sites. This will further improve opportunities for recreational fishers in Moreton Bay," Mr McNamara said.
"The artificial reef created by the sinking of HMAS Brisbane demonstrated that artificial reefs are quickly colonised by a wide range of marine plants and animals."
Recreational fishers have welcomed the State Government funding for the artificial reef program.
Queensland Game Fishing Association's Conservation Officer, Evan Jones, said he was very supportive of the program.
"It is a positive move to deal with any displacement of recreation fishing that will occur in the Moreton Bay Marine Park re-zoning," Mr Evans said.
"The Game Fishing Association congratulates Minister McNamara and the Queensland Government on their support for the project."
Mr McNamara said the Port of Brisbane Corporation had been working in partnership with the EPA on this project.
"Their assistance and technical expertise has been invaluable and I look forward to continuing our involvement together," Mr McNamara said
Further information on the trial artificial reef program, including maps showing the location of the three sites is available from the EPA website below...
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Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002
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