SYDNEY, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The far south coast of the Australian state of New South Wales was announced on Friday as the next location to benefit from the state's recreational fishing initiatives.
"I am thrilled to announce that the NSW government has chosen Merimbula as the site for a new offshore artificial reef," New South Wales Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said.
"The Merimbula reef is one of five offshore artificial reefs the Department of Primary Industries will deploy over the next three years."
Already, existing artificial reefs in Sydney, Shoalhaven and Port Macquarie have become hotspots for fishermen and helped drive local tourism.
"Over 50 different species of fish have been identified on the current offshore artificial reefs which show just how effective they are in boosting fish habitats," Blair said.
Made from a combination of steel and concrete, the non-polluting design has a lifespan of 30 years and is funded by revenue raised from recreational fishing licence fees.
