New artificial reefs to benefit Central Coast and Forster fishers

Forster and Central Coast artificial reefs are now in and available for recreational fishers in NSW!

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in building artificial reefs in NSW?

Two new artificial reefs have recently been deployed off Forster and the Central Coast.

Each reef consists of two large steel structures with footprints of 16m x 16m and heights of 12m.

This picture shows one reef being assembled in White Bay, Sydney.

The two new structures will provide habitat to enhance the offshore fishing experience of Forster and Central Coast residents and visitors for decades to come.

DPI uses innovative design and deployment methods to create high-quality, complex marine habitats to encourage fish to the reefs.

As seen in the photo, the reefs have plates to deflect currents and create eddies.

This concentrates phytoplankton in the water column near the reef which attracts open water fish species.

The reef structure itself provides surfaces for settlement of benthic species and niche habitats for attracting fish.

Construction of these artificial reefs was supported with funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust and the Marine Estate Management Strategy as part of our Fisheries enhancement project.

DPI is now seeking feedback on the next proposed artificial reef locations off the Coffs and Ballina coasts.

For more information, please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/artificial-reef

For more information on the Offshore Artificial Reefs, please visit DPI’s website.