Purpose-built to fish well from the surface down to the seafloor, the reef has been designed to support baitfish populations, hold predators, and create productive fishing opportunities across a wide range of techniques and species, including sailfish, Spanish mackerel, wahoo, Rankin cod, and coral trout.
Delivered through a partnership between Recfishwest and Woodside Energy, with support from local fishing clubs, the community, and the State Government, the reef adds a major new fishing asset for the Pilbara.
Installed around 29 kilometers from the Dampier boat ramps in approximately 35 meters of water, the reef consists of 48 specially designed concrete modules, carefully positioned to fish well throughout the water column.
Recfishwest CEO Dr. Andrew Rowland said the project shows what’s possible when industry, community, and fishers work together: “These scientifically designed structures create healthier oceans by supporting biodiversity and building resilient marine habitat, but just as importantly, they deliver fantastic new fishing opportunities.”
From Pelagics to Demersals
Sitting in prime sailfish country, the Dampier Artificial Reef is expected to become a hotspot for these spectacular pelagic fish when conditions are right. Upwellings created by the reef structure help concentrate baitfish, drawing sailfish and other predators to the surface.
Fast-moving pelagics such as Spanish mackerel, longtail tuna, and wahoo are also expected to feature strongly on and around the reef.
Closer to the bottom, the reef’s complex structure provides excellent habitat for popular demersal species, including Rankin cod, saddletail snapper, crimson snapper, Moses perch, and coral trout.
The reef combines two complementary concrete module designs to maximize fishing productivity and environmental outcomes, as seen in the images below:
- 24 Bombora modules (1.8 meters high), providing cave-like features and hard surfaces for demersal fish and marine life.
- 24 Reef Pyramid modules, rising to five meters from the seabed—some of the largest concrete reef modules yet deployed in Western Australia—creating strong vertical relief for baitfish, pelagics, and larger demersals.
Together, these structures form a complex reef system capable of supporting a wide range of popular recreational species while enhancing broader marine biodiversity.
Artificial reefs are colonized quickly—for example, in less than five years, Exmouth’s King Reef transformed barren sand into a thriving ecosystem supporting around 120 fish species, now a go-to spot for local and visiting fishers.
By creating a new structure where little previously existed, the Dampier Artificial Reef will help build healthier marine systems, spread fishing effort, support regional tourism, and deliver lasting benefits for Pilbara fishers and the wider community.
Woodside Acting Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia, Breyden Lonnie, said the reef will deliver both environmental and community benefits.
“Not only will the reef contribute to marine biodiversity; it will also be an added drawcard to boost fishing tourism to the Pilbara, supporting the local economy and communities,” he said.
