WA funds $1.1m offshore reef west of Halls Head to boost fishing

The Western Australian government allocated $1.1 million to deploy a purpose-built artificial reef nine kilometres offshore west of Halls Head in 25 metres of water, aiming to increase biodiversity and create new habitat for recreational fishing and local businesses. The reef will consist of 30 modules, each weighing about 10 tonnes, engineered to provide hard structure for algal and sessile organisms to colonise and attract fish.

Officials framed the project as both a regional development initiative and a recreational fishing boost, with expected positive flow-on benefits for charter operators, tackle shops and waterfront businesses in Mandurah and surrounding towns. Fisheries Minister commentary and backing from Recfishwest accompanied the announcement, signalling broad sector support for constructed reefs as a tool to revive local fishing hotspots and expand tourism opportunities.

Ecologically, the reef is being positioned to encourage early successional growth of algae, sponges and other sessile life on the new structures. Officials expect those organisms to draw smaller forage species and, in turn, predators such as pink snapper, samsonfish and skippy. For anglers who chase structure and snapper in the Peel-Harvey region, the reef promises a new holding feature where bait schools and feed lines can develop.

The reef design emphasises modularity and durability, with 30 substantial units placed in 25 metres of water to create vertical relief and refuge. The modules’ mass and spacing are intended to withstand local conditions while creating interstitial spaces where fish can shelter and feed. Placement nine kilometres offshore puts the site within a practical run for many Mandurah-based charter trips while sitting beyond nearshore habitat pressures.

Practical value for readers includes an expanded fishing footprint and potential new mark on local charts. When the structures become colonised and fish communities establish, anglers can expect opportunities for structure fishing with bottom rigs, live baits and light tackle targeting snapper and trevally species around the new reef. Charter operators and shore-based businesses are likely to see increased bookings and demand for gear and bait as the site matures.

Check licence requirements, bag limits and any temporary exclusions or navigation notices as the reef is installed and becomes active. The project is intended to create both ecological habitat and economic lift; if colonisation follows the plan, recreational anglers will gain a new hard-structure mark off Halls Head and local tourism will have a fresh drawcard to market.