Dive into Our Latest Reef Project

Building a Sustainable Future Beneath the Waves

Join us as we embark on an exciting journey to create two thriving artificial reefs, enhancing marine biodiversity and supporting recreational fishing in South Australia.

Project Milestones

Reef Build Update

See All Updates Here

The recreational fishing and resilience reef builds at Wirrina Cove and Nepean Bay are now complete. Working alongside In-Depth Innovations and McMahons Services, detailed site surveys and underwater assessments using ROV technology helped identify ideal locations for the reef installations. After months of planning, preparation and construction, the reef modules have now been successfully deployed. These new reef systems will provide valuable habitat for marine life, support ecosystem recovery, and create exciting opportunities for South Australian recreational fishers for years to come.

Explore Our Reef Building Journey

Enhancing Marine Habitats

Key Features of Our Artificial Reef Project

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Increased Fish Populations

Our artificial reefs are designed to boost fish populations, providing a thriving ecosystem for various marine species.

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Improved Angling Opportunities

Recreational anglers can enjoy enhanced fishing experiences with more diverse and abundant fish species.

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Sustainable Marine Environment

Constructed with eco-friendly materials, our reefs contribute to a sustainable marine environment.

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Community Engagement

We actively involve local communities in the project, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship.

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Research and Innovation

Our project incorporates cutting-edge research and innovative designs to maximize ecological benefits.

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Tourism Boost

The artificial reefs attract tourists, boosting local economies and promoting eco-tourism.

Project Timeline

Explore the journey of our artificial reef project, from conception to future aspirations.

03/08/25

Recreational Fishing Package Announced

Recreational fishing package announced by Labor Government leadership to assist regional tourism, state-wide fishing opportunities and environmental projects including artificial recreational fishing reefs.

12/01/26

Sites Selected

Wirrina biodiversity support reef site selected with installation of reef modules planned. Site audit complete with video inspection, EPA/DIT/Department approval complete and procurement in progress with engineering firm. Further sites planned and soft coral introduction projects a possibility.

05/03/26

Wirrina Site Survey

On the 5th of March 2026, Will joined McMahons Services and In-Depth Innovations offshore from Wirrina Cove to complete a detailed ROV survey for the future artificial reef build, assessing the seabed and surrounding habitat to confirm the site’s suitability for deployment. With perfect glassy conditions and a promising mix of rubble and muddy bottom in 27 metres of water, the successful survey marked another exciting step toward bringing the artificial reef project to life.

23/04/26

Reef Module Concrete Pour

Will visited the McMahons Services casting site to inspect the artificial reef modules as they were being filled with concrete, marking an exciting milestone as the project began to truly take shape ahead of deployment.

08/05/26

McMahons Site and Reef Modules Update

Will and Asher visited the McMahons Services casting site to inspect the nearly completed artificial reef modules ahead of deployment at the Wirrina Cove and Nepean Bay reef sites, marking an exciting milestone in the South Australian Government supported project focused on enhancing marine habitat, biodiversity, and recreational fishing opportunities.

12/05/26

Reef Modules Media Day

Major media outlets gathered at the McMahons site to showcase the exciting progress of the South Australian artificial reef project, highlighting the innovative reef modules set for deployment at the Wirrina and Nepean Bay sites to support marine habitat, biodiversity, and recreational fishing opportunities.

27/05/26

Wirrina Reef Deployement Day

The reef modules were deployed at the Wirrina site. All moduels were successfully deployed through the collaboration of In-Depth Innovations and McMahons Services.

28/05/26

Nepean Bay Deployment Day

The reef modules were deployed at the Nepean Bay site. All modules were successfully deployed through the collaboration In-Depth Innovations and McMahons Services. Citizen science will be utilised to monitor the sites.

25/06/26

Sea Wolves Dive Club | First Citizen Science Monitor Dive at Wirrina

The Sea Wolves Dive Club and RecFish SA conducted the first citizen science reef monitoring dive on the Wirrina artificial reef.

What The Community is Saying

“Great work guys”

Ken Rundle (Facebook Follower)

“I am sure that, once the artificial reefs are established, they will become cherished features of the ocean floor for both the marine life they sustain and the coastal communities and recreational fishers who will benefit.”

Clare Scriven MLC (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development)

“We should never stop making these, spread them around everywhere metro and country areas. Build up areas all over the place instead of the same areas getting hammered. Ramp fees, boat regos should contribute to these initiatives”

Greg Smirfdog (Facebook Follower)

Citizen Science

Artificial Reef Monitoring Projects

Explore observations from the Wirrina Cove and Nepean Bay artificial reefs. These iNaturalist projects help document the marine life using each reef as it develops.

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