FORSTER AND TERRIGAL OFFSHORE ARTIFICIAL REEFS 
Enhancing biodiversity
and scientific research while supporting fishing activities.
THE CHALLENGE
Research shows that purposefully designed offshore artificial reefs (OARs) can produce up to 4 time more fish than natural reefs.
To enhance fisheries and improve fish population off the coasts of Forster and Terrigal, NSW DPI Fisheries needed our expertise to create 4 reefs that will endure harsh ocean conditions.
OUR SOLUTION
Leveraging past success, like the Batemans' Bay reef, we’ve increased reef stability, ensuring the reef structures (with footprints of 16 x 16 metres ) withstand a 1-in-100-year storm event, whist meeting DPI's primary goals for marine life productivity and attracting key species for recreational fishing.
Our bespoke reef design deflects currents to create eddies, upwellings while providing intricate habitats for a variety of fish species.
Watch the video
RESULTS SO FAR
Both Reefs have been surveyed using ROV for more than 24 months showing a constant increase in cumulative species richness.
The dataset collection has been used by UNSW student to study :Temporal variation in fish communities on artificial reefs.
After more than 2 years of installation, both reefs have now become a popular fishing spot for angers, enhancing fishing opportunities in the Batemans Bay area.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and sea on which we live and work. We pay respect to Aboriginal elders past and
present and acknowledge Australia’s First Nation peoples for caring for this country and our ocean for over 60,000 years.