Unleashing Underwater Paradises

Habitat Reef Modules Transforming Mackay’s Coastal Waters

By Amanda Wright

Reef Catchments has taken a significant step forward in its endeavour to deploy 30 Habitat Reef modules in the coastal waters off Mackay. This progress was achieved with the Mackay Regional Council finalising the ownership arrangements for the Habitat Reef modules, which are integral to the Turning Rubble to Reef project in the Mackay Whitsundays region.

Strategically positioned to enhance the marine environment, the Habitat Reef modules aim to create vertically complex reef ecosystems. These installations are designed to increase food resources and fish biomass, while also providing crucial nurseries for juvenile fish. Ultimately, the project seeks to support the long-term sustainability of local fish stocks.

Anglers and marine enthusiasts can look forward to encountering a diverse range of species at the new reef sites. Notable fish species include coral trout, grass emperor, striped bass, jewfish, golden snapper (fingermark), as well as small bait species like hardyheads and herring. Pelagic fish species such as mackerel and tuna are also expected to thrive in these waters.

The successful deployment of the Habitat Reef modules will not only benefit recreational fishing but also contribute to the overall health and ecological balance of the marine ecosystem. It is anticipated that these artificial structures will foster the growth of marine sessile organisms, including corals and oysters, and develop into self-sustaining reef ecosystems over time.

Chair of council’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee Cr Belinda Hassan said council is happy to support the project as it aligns with council’s strategic vision to make our region as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia.

“We know these Habitat Reef modules support fish stocks and grow coral, so to have 30 of them in our coastal waters, accessible to small boats and visiting anglers, will be a real coup for our region,” Cr Hassan said.

“We are blessed to have beautiful offshore islands and the Great Barrier Reef off our coastline, but accessing those requires considerable travel time in medium to large vessels,” she said.

“These modules will be a viable option for those in smaller boats and will help to spread out fishing pressure in our inshore waters.”

Kellie Best, Project Officer with Reef Catchments is delighted to have the support of Mackay Regional Council as a long-term project partner.

“Securing ownership of the Habitat Reef modules is a major project milestone and puts us one step closer to getting them into the water,” she said.  

The Habitat Reef modules have been specially designed by Catchment Solutions to provide complex vertical relief structures for both adult and juvenile fish and improve recruitment of marine sessile organisms such as corals and oysters.

“We expect that over time the Habitat Reef modules will develop into healthy functioning reef ecosystems,” Ms Best said.

Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist with Catchment Solutions said the monitoring results of the Pioneer River bommies, consisting of 45 Habitat Reef modules, demonstrated the reef design and project had been a huge success, both in terms of increasing populations of iconic recreational fishing species at the sites, like barramundi and mangrove jack, and providing habitat for juvenile fish species.

For more information visit www.reefcatchments.com.au

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Reef Catchments Project Officer Kellie Best