Artificial reefs to improve recreational fishing

The Victorian Coalition Government is improving recreational fishing opportunities in East Gippsland with the installation of seven new artificial reefs in the Gippsland Lakes, (Metung and Nungurner), Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the Coalition Government had provided $400,000 for the reefs from the $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative, which is improving recreational fishing opportunities in Gippsland and across the state.   “A number of similar reefs also funded by the Coalition Government have been successfully deployed in Port Phillip Bay and have improved fishing opportunities by attracting a variety of recreational species,” Mr Bull said.

“The new Gippsland reefs are the culmination of 12 months’ work consulting with locals, undertaking detailed site works and making sure we had the necessary permits.

“The reefs should help to attract popular recreational fish.

The artificial reefs are purpose-built hollow concrete structures which provide habitat for a range of fish and marine life.

Mr Bull said Gippsland Ports and local contractors had begun installing the reefs, which vary in shape and size, in the Gippsland Lakes last week, with Lake Tyers and Mallacoota to follow next month.

“These reefs are additional to the range of projects already funded by recreational licence fees to improve fishing in Victoria,” Mr Bull said.

Now in its third year, the Coalition Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiative is stocking more fish, improving access and facilities, upgrading boat launching facilities, building new fishing reefs, undertaking more fisheries research and strengthening fisheries enforcement and education.

For more information about the Recreational Fishing Initiative and other recreational fishing reef projects visit www.depi.vic.gov.au/betterfishing or if you have a suggestion how Fisheries Victoria can improve recreational fishing email your idea to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.