Coffs Coast and Ballina regions the next in line for artificial reefs

Coffs Coast and Ballina regions the next in line for artificial reefs © RFA of NSW

The Coffs Coast and Ballina have been announced as the next regions to receive a new artificial reef. The NSW Government has deployed nine offshore artificial reefs spanning from Tweed Heads to Merimbula with Forster and Terrigal on schedule to be deployed later this year.

The artificial reefs program continues to impress, producing and holding a wide variety of fish species which are contributing to healthy fish stocks while offering additional quality recreational fishing opportunities. Previous reef installations have proven to be very effective to date in creating productive fish habitat for a diverse range of recreationally important fish species including Kingfish, Samsonfish, Amberjack, Snapper, Silver Trevally, Mulloway, Yellowtail Scad and Blue Mackerel.

DPI is now undertaking further detailed assessments and seeking feedback on proposed locations off the Richmond River mouth, Ballina and Bonville Headland, Sawtell.

Specific design of the reef will be subject to a government tender process but is likely to involve two steel towers. For more information on the project and the other NSW artificial reefs visit the DPI website.

If you have any comments on the proposed offshore artificial reef locations, please email: or post to:

NSW DPI
Fisheries Enhancement
PO Box 179
Narooma NSW 2546