The next stage of algal bloom recovery operations kicks off this month when two new artificial reefs are established in Gulf St Vincent.
In a bid to rebuild fish stocks, increase biodiversity and enhance recreational fishing opportunities, purpose-built concrete modules will be installed in the waters off Wirrina on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and Kangaroo Island's Nepean Bay.
Designed to mimic coral structures, these artificial reefs will help to transform two algal-bloom impacted areas into healthier marine ecosystems over time.
The reefs will provide hard substrate for oyster settlement and support the recovery and growth of a variety of marine species at Wirrina and Nepean Bay, including kingfish, mulloway, snapper, and cephalopods such as squid and octopus.
The Malinauskas Labor Government invested $600,000 to establish the new reefs at Wirrina and Kangaroo Island, supporting RecFish SA to plan, manufacture and deliver the project to aid the long-term recovery of fish stocks in two popular recreational fishing areas.
This funding forms part of the broader $162.5 million algal bloom response being delivered by the Malinauskas and Albanese Labor Governments.
Once open for recreational fishing, the Wirrina and Nepean Bay reefs are expected to become drawcards for anglers, delivering a boost to regional coastal community visitation, local economic activity and recreational fishing tourism in South Australia.
To support fish stocks and other marine life to establish themselves in their new 'underwater communities', fishing will not be permitted for at least 12 months following installation of the reefs.
Both sites will be monitored to map their gradual transformation and deliver valuable research that will inform future artificial reef deployments across South Australia.
As put by Clare Scriven
Ever since March last year, the Malinauskas Government has worked with scientists, fishing industries and our coastal communities to support the recovery of marine ecosystems impacted by the harmful algal bloom.
We committed funding to RecFish SA to deliver an innovative marine intervention that we are confident will make a really positive difference on the recovery of recreational fish stocks at Wirrina and Nepean Bay.
While the algal bloom is largely dissipated from South Australian waters and absent from the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island coastlines, work remains ongoing to ensure fish stocks rebuild and our recreational and commercial fishers can return to sustainable and successful operations over the long-term.
I am sure that, once the artificial reefs are established, they will become cherished features of the ocean floor for both the marine life they sustain and the coastal communities and recreational fishers who will benefit.
As put by Emily Bourke
These reefs will help support the recovery of our marine ecosystems by creating new habitats for a wide variety of marine life, where they can find sites to breed, shelter and hide.
The locations have been chosen based on a range of factors, including the lack of existing reef structure and seagrass and proximity to other reefs to help improve habitat connectivity for resident reef species.
Underwater camera monitoring has also been used to assess seabed suitability and environmental conditions.
As put by RecFish SA Executive Officer, Asher Dezsery
This project represents a landmark moment for recreational fishing and marine habitat restoration in South Australia, delivering the state's first purely modular artificial reef systems designed specifically to support long-term ecosystem recovery.
RecFish SA is proud to be partnering with both the South Australian and Federal Governments to deliver practical, science-driven solutions that will help rebuild marine life in areas impacted by recent algal bloom events.
These innovative reef systems are about far more than fishing — they are about creating new underwater habitat that supports biodiversity, strengthens ecosystem resilience and helps native marine species recover from poor environmental conditions.
By creating complex fish-friendly architecture on the seafloor, these reefs will provide shelter, feeding opportunities and breeding habitat for important South Australian species including snapper, kingfish, mulloway, squid and octopus.
Community involvement will play a critical role in the long-term success of these reefs, and RecFish SA is committed to working closely with recreational fishers, local communities and citizen science volunteers to monitor how these ecosystems develop in the years ahead.
