Sixty custom-made reef structures and more than 800 tonnes of locally sourced limestone is being deployed off the coast of Ardrossan, as part of the Yorke Peninsula shellfish reef project.
Port Adelaide-based Maritime Constructions’ deployment vessel MV Andrew Wilson is currently out on the reef site building South Australia’s reef – the first of its kind for the state and Australia.
The reef structures have been purpose built using specially designed concrete molds and weigh almost a tonne, standing at nearly 1 meter high.
Once complete, the reef will provide food and habitat for fish production, increase water quality, assist with coastal erosion, and contribute to a healthier marine environment.
Background
Port Adelaide based Maritime Constructions was awarded the $550 000 contract in May to build the first phase four-hectare trial reef.
Construction of the reef will occur in two phases. Phase one will be completed by July 2017, which includes four hectares of reef. Phase two will involve expansion of up to 20 hectares of shellfish reef, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
The State Government has partnered with the Nature Conservancy, a not-for-profit conservation organisation and international leaders in shellfish restoration, to deliver the project, along with Yorke Peninsula Council, RecFish SA, University of Adelaide and community stakeholders.