Large scale artificial reef construction, other than scuttling vessels, has not previously been attempted in Australia; consequently there is a significant knowledge gap. During the development stage of the NSW offshore artificial reefs project and the EA the Project Managers need a thorough understanding of the practical elements of reef manufacture, deployment, monitoring and subsequent management to deliver the best possible outcomes. The best way to ensure DPI and Australia adopt state-of-the-art management is by conducting site visits and in-depth discussion with experienced artificial reef manufacturers, installers, managers and researchers. This will allow better planning and management of artificial reefs in NSW with broader applications Australia wide.

This project addresses the FRDC strategic challenges of ‘Natural Resources Sustainability’ (NRP-1 & RRDP-2) by developing tools to assist in broader scale assessments of the impacts of the recreational fishing sector. It also meets the challenges of ‘Resource Access and Resource Allocation’ (NRP-1 & RRDP-1) by developing methods to examine economic, social and ecological impacts of planning policies; developing processes to inform and define inter-sectoral resource allocation; developing methods to determine allocation between different recreational activities. It also addresses ‘Response to Demand; Profitability’ (NRP-3 & RRDP–4) by increasing the profitability of businesses supporting recreational fishing; developing the capacity to produce more fish for the recreational fishing sector; increasing the quality and enjoyment of recreational fishing experiences and taking advantage of expanding fishing tourism opportunities by providing sustainable quality fishing opportunities within the recreational fishing sector. The addresses ‘People Development’ (NRP-4 & RRDP-7) by enhancing opportunities for information and technology transfer; promoting best-practice training, developing industry experts to bridge the gap between Australian and overseas countries and enhancing scientific skills. It meets the challenges of ‘Community and Consumer Support’ (NRP-4 & RRDP-7) by communicating the benefits of government and industry investment in R&D.