Original story at Macquarie Port News
A PORT-based fishing charter business operator says she expects industry consultation on plans for an artificial reef off Port Macquarie.
Carolyn Wagstaff, who owns and operates Deep End Fishing Charters, based at the Port Macquarie Marina, says the reef plan sounds good.
“I read the article in the Port News and we are expecting to be contacted by the Department of Primary Industries,” she said.
“It is early days, but I’d expect the department would want some feedback from us. There would also be a detailed environmental assessment required along with discussions with commercial and rec fishers.
“We … hope that the department would be talking to us. But I think it will be wonderful. Anyone who fishes in Port Macquarie would be pleased with this news.
“Not that we are lacking in fish numbers but you want to be sustaining your stock levels.”
Mrs Wagstaff also called for a restriction zone to be included in the plan.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to have that zone around the site. This would enable more fish to breed,” she said. “We pay fishing licences and, being a rec fishing charter, we are allowed to take locals and tourists out fishing and they don’t need to purchase a separate fishing licence.
“It is good to see our money being spent well. I’d definitely give it the thumbs up.”
Another supporter of the project is Ned Kelly’s Bait ‘n’ Tackle owner Jason Isaac.
He described the plan as a fantastic idea and a brilliant concept.
“This is a terrific scheme they have going,” he said. “What they look at doing is creating something out of nothing. Off Port Macquarie, we have large tracts of sand which are baron as far as rec fishing is concerned.
“But we need to give this time to implement and time for growth.”
Mr Isaac said once the structure was in place, weed growth would be visible within a month with six to 12 months required to attract enough growth to attract bait fish.
“This would then attract predatory fish,” he said. “And the longer the better. This is a tremendous attraction for off-shore fishos.
“Once established, the vast majority of off-shore fishos would visit this area. Visiting anglers will certainly fish the area … I think it would be an extremely well-patronised area.”
Mr Isaac also said the project was fishing licence money being put to good use.
The state government on Thursday announced the $900,000 investment to create the artificial reef.
The reef will be the third of its kind in New South Wales and is expected to further cement the Hastings’ reputation as a tourism mecca.
Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson made the funding announcementduring a visit to Port Macquarie, selling the project as a win for local tourism, fishing and the environment.
“This will be an absolutely fantastic asset for the city of Port Macquarie,” Ms Hodgkinson said on Thursday.
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