The number of fish species recorded at Western Australia’s first trial artificial reefs has more than quadrupled in two years,

Fisheries Minister Ken Baston said 50 finfish species had been recorded around the South-West reefs, up from just a dozen fish species detected when they were deployed two years ago.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said State Government Royalties for Regions had invested $1.8 million to establish the South-West artificial reefs.

“I am pleased to hear the positive results these structures have brought to the region, supporting the creation of opportunities for local tourism, charter operators and tackle and boating industries which base their businesses around the quality of the fishing experience,” Mr Redman said.

Mr Baston said the positive results offered confidence for similar state-of-the-art reefs to be located elsewhere off the Western Australian coast.

As part of the South-West trial, the Government has dedicated $575,000 to monitoring the artificial reefs over five years.

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