ARTIFICIAL REEF UNITS
Artificial reefs have a proven track record in Australia and around the world at increasing fish abundance in areas with limited or degraded natural habitat. Various designs exist, and research shows that one size fits all approach is not always ideal.
RDL has a range of habitat-enhancing reef units that have been tested in tropical and temperate environments with great success. We use a variety of materials but the most common are cast concrete units using an eco-blend concrete mixture. We often custom-build units for specific projects and can incorporate recycled materials like oyster shells. Moulds and formwork can also be sent to the site for local production and community initiatives.
All our units are designed to create habitat by incorporating caves and overhangs while providing a rough substrate for colonising surface species. When units are placed together they create protection for small fish from larger predators as well as a place to rest, feed and breed. Units are optimised to use only the material that is needed while maintaining strength, stability and ease of installation.
ARTIFICIAL FISH HABITAT I
AVAILABLE SIZES
1000 x 1000 x 1000 mm
ARTIFICIAL FISH HABITAT II
AVAILABLE SIZES
600 x 600 x 600 mm
1150 x 1150 x 1150 mm
WWF 3D PRINTED REEF
AVAILABLE SIZES
500 x 500 x 500 mm to
1200 x 1200 x 1200 mm
MARS
CONTACT US FOR AVAILABLE SIZES
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ARTIFICIAL REEFS
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INSTALLATION SITES
ARDROSSAN
RDL was contracted by PIRSA to supply a range of reef units to be part of the oyster reef restoration project in Ardrossan South Australia. The oyster restoration project is being lead by the Nature Conservatory.
Find out more about their amazing oyster restoration work here: The Nature Conservatory
RDL also produced a series of control structures for researchers at Adelaide University in order for them to evaluate the effectiveness of the specially designed reef units. The units were installed by Maritime Constructions based out of Adelaide.
MAROOCHYDORE
RDL provided 160 reef units for the Suncentral Corso redevelopment project in Maroochydore. The units were used to create refuges for migrating fish that use the estuaries as a breeding ground. The reefs ranged in size from 60cm high to 120cm high. The units were installed by BMD Civil.
TWEED RIVER
RDL units were used to enhance habitat along part of the Tweed River which was undergoing maintenance work in 2021.
MORETON BAY
In 2016 we built and installed a series of specialist reef units in Moreton Bay to become part of the Curtain Artificial Reef.
