Innovative Habitat Reef Modules Showing Promising Progress

One year after thirty purpose-designed Habitat Reef Modules were installed off Mackay, new underwater footage is revealing encouraging signs of success.

Monitoring has recorded at least 22 fish species now using the modules – a remarkable increase from just three species recorded before deployment.

These include key recreational, commercial and indigenous fishery species such as red emperor, large-mouth nannygai, gold-spot cod and grassy sweetlip, along with small-bodied reef fish like wrasse, blennies, chromis and coralfish.

Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist at Catchment Solutions said the footage also showed the modules covered in soft coral growth.

He said hard corals were expected to establish over a longer timeframe.

“This early colonisation is a positive sign that the structures are functioning as intended, supporting marine life and enhancing reef habitat,” Mr Moore said.

“We’ve designed these modules to mimic the ecological function of natural reef bommies,” he said.

“From surface texture to internal shelter spaces for juvenile fish, every part of the design has a role in enhancing habitat quality and increasing the resilience of reef communities.

“These are ‘set-and-forget’ structures – they provide favourable attachment conditions away from sediment, encouraging natural colonisation by reef-building organisms.”

Co-chair of council’s Sustainability Advisory Committee Cr Alison Jones said it was incredibly rewarding to see such strong results in just 12 months.

“This project shows how local partnerships can deliver practical solutions that support both our environment and our community,” Cr Jones said.

Cr Jones said the installation of Habitat Reef Modules in shallow waters off Mackay Harbour was delivering benefits well beyond ecological restoration – it was opening up new opportunities for recreational fishing close to shore.

“Being that the modules are in just 12 metres of water, they are easily accessible to families, children, tourists and local fishers,” she said.

“Their proximity to shore creates a rare opportunity to catch popular, great-tasting reef species such as red emperor and nannygai, all from a world-class, sustainably managed fishery.”

Kellie Best, Project Officer at Reef Catchments NRM said the structures offered critical nursery habitats for juvenile fish.

“Each module includes ‘hidey holes’ leading to a central internal chamber designed to provide shelter from predators,” Ms Best said.

“By offering safe spaces during early life stages, the modules support fish survival, allowing more juveniles to reach maturity and contribute to reef fish populations,” she said.

“Juvenile fish are most vulnerable when they’re small, so by providing dedicated refuge, these modules give them a better chance of surviving, growing and eventually reproducing.”

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One year on from the installation of thirty purpose-designed Habitat Reef Modules off Mackay, the transformation is clear. What began as bare concrete structures now teems with life, with monitoring revealing at least 22 fish species compared to just three recorded before deployment. Photo credit: Catchment Solutions

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