NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI) is inviting tenders for the design and construction of an offshore artificial reef in the Merimbula region.
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The reef is likely to be constructed of up to 20 concrete modules measuring approximately 4-5 metres wide by 4-5 metres high and weighing up to 25 tonnes each or a steel tower/s. It will have 20 metres of safe vessel clearance above the structure. The total footprint area of the reef will be up to 320 m2 and likely to spread over an area no larger than 100 by 100 metres.
The NSWDPI said the primary objective of the project was the design, construct and deployment an artificial reef made up of individual modules.
“The artificial reef should be a minimum volume of 1500m³. The artificial reef modules will be stable, freestanding structures made of concrete, steel or both,” the department said in its invitation to tender.
“The reef will provide complex habitat for nearshore finfish species such as snapper and yellowtail kingfish and will operate effectively in a mobile sand substrate environment. It is expected the new reef will be able to withstand intense storms for at least 30 years.”
The invitation to tender closes November 8, 2017 and the NSW DPI aims to deploy the reef in 2018.
Merimbula was announced as the next location to receive an offshore artificial reef to enhance fishing opportunities courtesy of funds from the Recreational Fishing Trusts in March this year.
Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club was instrumental in helping to bring the reef to the region with its submission.