Artificial Reef Installation Begins Off Carnarvon Coast

Published on Thursday, 14 August 2025 at 12:06:48 PM

The Shire of Carnarvon is pleased to confirm that deployment of the new artificial reef off the Carnarvon coastline is well underway, with approximately half of the reef modules already in the water this week.

This important regional project will create a dedicated recreational fishing hotspot and deliver long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits for the Gascoyne.

Led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the project has been delivered in partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission, Recfishwest, the Shire of Carnarvon, and the Carnarvon Chamber of Commerce, with funding support through a $1.4 million investment from the State Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.

A total of 300 purpose-built modules are being installed, designed and delivered by Cyan Renewables and locally fabricated by Carnarvon business Sweet as Concrete. The structures are being deployed across a nine-hectare area located approximately seven kilometres west-south-west of Pelican Point, in waters around 13 metres deep.

Shire President Eddie Smith said the reef represents an exciting step forward for marine sustainability and regional recreation.

“It’s fantastic to see the first modules already in the water. This reef brings real environmental and recreational benefits to our coastline,” Cr Smith said.

“It supports marine biodiversity, creates a new experience for recreational fishers, and enhances Carnarvon’s appeal as a place to visit and invest. We’re proud to be part of this collaboration and especially pleased to see strong local involvement in the project’s delivery.”

The reef is engineered to provide complex habitat for marine life, designed to attract species such as cobia, mulloway, tailor, and trevally. As the ecosystem develops, it will support sustainable fishing while offering new opportunities for tourism, education, and community engagement.

Carnarvon’s installation joins seven other artificial reef sites along the Western Australian coast, including Ocean Reef, Dunsborough, Bunbury, Mandurah, Esperance, Exmouth Gulf, and south of Rottnest Island.

The Shire of Carnarvon thanks all partners and stakeholders involved in delivering this project and looks forward to the completion of the reef installation in the coming weeks.

ENDS