Three Pioneer River artificial reefs will help anglers get hooked on Mackay

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Consultation has concluded

Getting anglers from all over the world “hooked on Mackay” is one step closer thanks to an exciting artificial reef project. 

The project aims to enhance recreational and tourist fishing experiences via complex marine habitat reef modules adjacent to three popular fishing platforms in the Pioneer River.

The marine habitat reef modules, otherwise known as artificial reefs, were designed in collaboration between local environmental consultancy organisation Catchment Solutions and council.

SMC Marine was awarded the tender to construct and install the habitat reef modules within casting distance of the Bridge Road, Brisbane Street and Carlyle Street fishing piers.

Works have commenced on the artificial reefs and are expected to be completed by the end of May 2021. The habitat reef modules will be constructed off site and then deployed to their final place by barge. Deployment of the reefs will take a number of days.

In consultation with local recreational fishing experts, spearfishers and divers, two distinct units have been designed to provide habitat for iconic top order apex predatory species such as barramundi, mangrove jack and fingermark bream whilst also providing refuge for smaller fish and crustaceans seeking shelter from predators.

Each habitat reef module will contain one ‘Ledge and Cave’ reef unit surrounded by four smaller ‘Pyramid’ reef units. ‘Ledge and Cave’ units are designed to provide similar habituate complexity to plate coral whilst also providing vertical habitat to manipulate tidal currents and create eddies to attract bait fish and schooling pelagic fish. ‘Pyramid’ reefs provide a central hollow chamber that is surrounded by a series of smaller holes. In combination, each reef set will provide large cavernous spaces and ledge openings providing refuge for larger species and smaller holes, interconnected chambers and compartments that offer shelter for smaller fish.

The habitat reef modules have been designed with roughened external surfaces, underhangs and ledges to promote the recruitment and growth of marine life such as oysters and corals. The reefs will eventually become indistinguishable due to the rapid growth of reef-building marine organisms, adding further habitat and biodiversity.

Over time, the artificial reefs will improve ecosystem health, in-stream habitats, fish populations and recreational fishing experiences for both locals and tourists to the region.

This Works for Queensland project is delivering jobs for regional Queensland and funded by the Queensland Government.

Getting anglers from all over the world “hooked on Mackay” is one step closer thanks to an exciting artificial reef project. 

The project aims to enhance recreational and tourist fishing experiences via complex marine habitat reef modules adjacent to three popular fishing platforms in the Pioneer River.

The marine habitat reef modules, otherwise known as artificial reefs, were designed in collaboration between local environmental consultancy organisation Catchment Solutions and council.

SMC Marine was awarded the tender to construct and install the habitat reef modules within casting distance of the Bridge Road, Brisbane Street and Carlyle Street fishing piers.

Works have commenced on the artificial reefs and are expected to be completed by the end of May 2021. The habitat reef modules will be constructed off site and then deployed to their final place by barge. Deployment of the reefs will take a number of days.

In consultation with local recreational fishing experts, spearfishers and divers, two distinct units have been designed to provide habitat for iconic top order apex predatory species such as barramundi, mangrove jack and fingermark bream whilst also providing refuge for smaller fish and crustaceans seeking shelter from predators.

Each habitat reef module will contain one ‘Ledge and Cave’ reef unit surrounded by four smaller ‘Pyramid’ reef units. ‘Ledge and Cave’ units are designed to provide similar habituate complexity to plate coral whilst also providing vertical habitat to manipulate tidal currents and create eddies to attract bait fish and schooling pelagic fish. ‘Pyramid’ reefs provide a central hollow chamber that is surrounded by a series of smaller holes. In combination, each reef set will provide large cavernous spaces and ledge openings providing refuge for larger species and smaller holes, interconnected chambers and compartments that offer shelter for smaller fish.

The habitat reef modules have been designed with roughened external surfaces, underhangs and ledges to promote the recruitment and growth of marine life such as oysters and corals. The reefs will eventually become indistinguishable due to the rapid growth of reef-building marine organisms, adding further habitat and biodiversity.

Over time, the artificial reefs will improve ecosystem health, in-stream habitats, fish populations and recreational fishing experiences for both locals and tourists to the region.

This Works for Queensland project is delivering jobs for regional Queensland and funded by the Queensland Government.