The Northern Territory’s vibrant recreational fishing industry will receive a further boost with the tender to construct four new artificial reefs awarded to a local company.

An $8.3M contract has been awarded to Shorecast NT Pty Ltd to construct four new artificial reefs in the Beagle Gulf as part of the Territory Government’s $50 million investment to improve recreational fishing opportunities.

Northern Territory business Shorecast will join forces with Subcon Technologies – a company that has designed and built 17 artificial reefs across Australia – to deploy four new engineered, artificial reefs – a first for the Territory.  

Subcon specialises in designing and constructing purpose-built artificial reef modules with previous projects in Exmouth, South Sydney, Merimbula, Port Macquarie, Rottnest Island and other locations.

The artificial reefs are man-made structures constructed from steel and concrete. They sit on the sea floor and are designed to replicate the best possible natural reef habitat.

The new artificial reefs will be located in the Greater Darwin region, two will be between North Gutter and Lee Point, one in the Dundee region and one between the Vernon Islands and Cape Hotham.

Quotes from Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:

“These artificial reefs are designed to increase long term fisheries production, enhance the sustainability of key fishery resources and improve recreational fishing opportunities.

“This keystone project is part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to expand and improve recreational fishing as a lifestyle activity and tourism feature in the Top End.

“The Northern Territory Government has committed to invest $50 million over five years in a number of recreational fishing infrastructure projects to enhance the recreational fishing industry and create jobs.” 

Quotes from Shorecast managing director Arthur Hamilton:

“Shorecast and the Shorelands Group of companies is excited to carry out this world class project in partnership with Subcon Technologies.

“The artificial reefs will be a great asset to the Territory for recreational fishers and the environment.”

Quotes from Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory CEO David Ciaravolo:

“AFANT welcomes the awarding of this tender and we look forward to the construction beginning.

"These new purpose-built reefs will help create new, exciting and diverse fishing opportunities for Top End fishers and tourists.

"Artificial fish habitat design and construction has come a long way and the reefs that will feature in the Top End will be world class.”

Media Contact: Carl Pfeiffer 0417 910 720