New multilevel fishing platform

The Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) placed fishing considerations at the fore of its ongoing construction of the Spoilbank Marina. Given the difference between the low and high tide mark in Port Hedland is frequently around 6m, PPA constructed two levels on a new fishing platform to allow anglers to wet a line during either the low or high tide mark, with wheelchair accessibility included.

The PPA has also deployed six mangrove jack, cod and coral troutattracting reef balls, donated by Rio Tinto, under the smart-design jetty to further enhance fishing opportunities. Drawing on artificial reef expertise, Recfishwest assisted PPA in the configuration of the six reef balls, to maximise the effectiveness of the modules.

The pylons of the jetty themselves will help provide shelter and structure for the settlement of marine flora, algae, crustaceans and baitfish, further encouraging predators to congregate and move between the pylons and individual reef structures.

Recfishwest has also advised PPA on deploying additional reef ball modules and other reef structures parallel to the break wall on the inside of the marina. These other areas of habitat enhancement will help reduce overcrowding on the fishing jetty upon its completion, while also increasing catches of soughtafter species.

The ongoing Spoilbank Marina construction is expected to be operational by late 2023, with final completion expected in early 2024. - RW