- $1.76m allocated to new Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund projects
- Projects include artificial reefs for Dampier, Esperance and Exmouth
- Previous funding allocation to deliver Western Australia's first fish towers
Two 12 metre-high fish towers will be deployed between Rottnest and Garden islands early next year as part of the Liberal National Government's ongoing reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees.
Fisheries Minister Joe Francis said the towers, which were being built by Henderson-based artificial reef specialists Subcon Pty Ltd, were a Western Australian first.
"Purpose-built for attracting pelagic fish, the towers' steel lattice will provide shelter for baitfish that, in turn, will attract species such as samson fish, yellowtail kingfish and yellowfin tuna," Mr Francis said.
"As these structures mature and are colonised by more and more fish over time, they will provide a great fishing experience for boat-based anglers."
The fish towers are funded by the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF) which receives 25 per cent of all recreational fishing licence fees in WA.
"RFIF then reinvests that money into a range of initiatives, projects and research aimed at benefiting the recreational fishing community," the Minister said.
"This year, RFIF has allocated funding for nine new projects, including artificial reefs for Esperance, Dampier and Exmouth and also further restoration of natural oyster reefs in Albany.
"As the South-West artificial reefs trial has shown, it is possible to design habitat that improves ecosystem productivity and attracts recreationally important species to safe and accessible fishing locations."
Fact File
- All recreational licence fees are used to support recreational fishing in WA
- Recreational fishing licence fees raise about $7.7 million annually
- Find out more about all RFIF grants and projects at http://www.recfishwest.org.au
Minister's office - 6552 6500
