New artificial fishing reef off Albany coast to boost recreational fishing and create thriving marine habitat

Recreational fishers in Albany are set to gain a major new offshore attraction, with the State Government investing millions into an artificial reef designed to boost fishing opportunities and draw visitors to the region. The $1.4 million reef will be installed about 9km east of Albany in King George Sound, off Ledge Beach in Kalgan. The purpose-built reef will create a thriving underwater habitat aimed at attracting a wide range of popular local species, including silver trevally, samson fish, harlequin fish, salmon, whiting and squid. Artificial reefs are engineered structures placed on the seafloor to copy natural environments, providing shelter and breeding grounds for marine life. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said the project would create a fishing hotspot for both locals and visitors. “We really want to encourage more recreational fishing,” she said. “Artificial reefs create new marine environments, particularly for those fish we are really encouraging people to fish for, so it’s a fantastic initiative. “Recreational fishing is a really important part of tourism and it’s a really healthy activity for locals.” Ms Jarvis said the reef has been funded by recreational fishers through their license fees. “So the money people pay for recreational fishing license fees is reinvested into community projects like this,” she said. City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the reef has been on the cards for the past decade looks forward to seeing the opportunities the reef will provide for recreational fishers. “We’re delighted,” he said. “We thank the State Government very much for the use of the recreational fishing license fees being put into infrastructure in Albany out near Gull Rock. “We know that it will be a heavily utilised fish attraction device and infrastructure that will create ecosystems. “We look forward to the delivery of this and for our recreational fishers to be able to use this in early 2027.” Recfishwest program manager James Florisson said the reef ultimately reflects a strong drive by the local community to increase fishing opportunities and experiences on the south coast. “This is exactly what great fishing projects should look like, shaped by the community and designed to deliver real benefits for local fishers — we are confident it will become a standout fishing spot for Albany.” The Albany artificial reef is one of nine State Government funded along the WA coastline with reefs already in place off Exmouth, Canarvon, Ocean Reef, Rottnest Island, Mandurah, Bunbury, Dunsborough and Esperance. The City of Albany will be leading the process for the design, fabrication and deployment of the artificial reef.