Darwin anglers pushing for more artificial reefs closer to shore

Recreational Fishing Minister Paul Kirby says he is considering a proposal to place more artificial reefs closer to shore.

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Recreational Fishing Minister Paul Kirby says he is considering a proposal to place more artificial reefs closer to shore for Darwin anglers with smaller boats.

The NT Government built four artificial reefs in 2019 as a part of a $8.3 million project to improve recreational fishing opportunities in the NT.

Two of the reefs are located between North Gutter and Lee Point, one is in the Dundee region and one is between the Vernon Islands and Cape Hotham.

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Amateur Fishermens Association of the NT chief executive David Ciaravolo said the existing artificial reefs had been a “resounding success” but anglers were now pushing for some more reefs to be put in closer to Darwin.

Minister Paul Kirby checking on progress of the construction of four artificial reefs with Shorelands cast manager Graeme Benaim in 2019. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

“If there’s one thing that I’m hearing more and more from our community it’s when the next artificial race coming, and can we have more varied opportunities that are accessible to all people,” he said.

Recreational Fishing Minister Paul Kirby said he was open to bringing in more reefs.

“We would love the opportunity to have some reefs in closer to shore so that people with smaller boats can get out and take advantage of that as well,” he said.

“We’ve got budget processes that will stretch out over the next few years with the recreational fishing funds and to try and make sure that we do get as many good fishing opportunities and fishing infrastructure in place.

“So if the peak bodies lobby us and that’s one of the main things that they want investment on, we can certainly have a look about what the costs are and how we can fit that into the budget constraints that we’ve got.”

It comes as the government announced that applications for the NT Government’s Recreational Fishing Grants open on Wednesday.

There are two grants available, which recognise the social and economic value of recreational fishing: $15,000 for small grant projects and $100,000 for priority large grant project.

Visit grantsnt.nt.gov.au to apply.

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