Scuba Dive | Artificial Reef Structure 28m (Sorrento)

An interesting new spot in Port Phillip Bay! This Artificial Reef Structures deployed on the seabed will make for an adventurous dive. A dive that will bring new things to see with each descent! This dive is a must for those who are keen for something different and for those interested in marine science and conservation! Share your photos with us so that we can track the progress of this amazing location!

A bit more about the site

The Port Phillip Heads ‘Rip’ area located between Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean is a hotspot to target yellowtail kingfish, a prized recreational sportfish. As such, condensed boat traffic presents a level of compromised safety to ships and recreational vessels particularly when recreational vessels typically fish within the only shipping channel used to access ports within Port Phillip.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has deployed a total of 16 artificial reef modules within four clusters at a depth of around 28 metres. Reef modules are durable, multi-dimensional, made from environmentally friendly cement and have a large surface area for colonisation of marine plants and animals. The artificial reef modules are a proven and stable design to attract yellowtail kingfish and improve marine life.

To increase fishing opportunities for recreational anglers and to provide an alternative safer location away from dangerous shipping channels, the VFA has deployed the artificial reef structures approximately 800 m north-north east of Observatory Point within Port Phillip, 2.3 km east-north east of Point Nepean and 3.8 km north west of Portsea.

The VFA worked closely with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to seek all relevant approvals and assessments for the kingfish reef. Marine and Coastal Act consent to deploy the reefs was granted by DELWP. DELWP also conducted its own independent risk assessment.

The location of the kingfish reef was selected in consultation with DELWP and the Harbour Master of Port Phillip Bay. The Port of Melbourne and Victorian Ports Corporation were also consulted and are supportive of the location selected.

https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/featured/old/kingfish-reefs-in-port-phillip