Third reef could have flow-on effects

Diving for crayfish has been one of the main reasons people take to the ocean in Bunbury, but that may be about to change.

An innovative idea is brewing between Dolphin Discovery Centre general manager David Kerr and Coastal Water Dive owner Terry Goodall to bring more tourists to town.

The two men intend placing a third artificial reef off Back Beach to be used for snorkelling and marine life research.

The reef would not only be a new experience for tourists and the community but would be connected through artwork by the sea.

"We want to connect this to underwater artwork and a coastal walk from Koombana Bay around with sculptures by and in the sea," Mr Kerr said.

"This is over the next 20 years - each year we put more reefs in and it's about what this is worth to the local economy.

"It is about building a critical mass for tourism including hospitality, dolphins, wine and experiences so people will stay for longer in Bunbury."

Mr Kerr said by the end of this month they would have submitted an application to the Federal Government for $300,000 with matched funds from State Government to implement a sustainable artificial reef installation program.

Last Monday, Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt visited the Dolphin Discovery Centre and said the idea would build on what the State had already done.

"The idea is to pioneer it and see if it can aid with coral growth and assist with mollusc habitats," Mr Hunt said.

Mr Goodall said we live in a 2D way, instead of looking up and down we look sideways and this underwater experience would add a new dimension to the way people saw Bunbury.

For the past 20 years, the University of Western Australia has conducted seagrass research off the Bunbury coast and Mr Goodall said this artificial reef could be used as a major marine science research project.

"It is about making a reef corridor for marine life to grow and through tours it would be a team building experience," he said.

"We want to connect this to underwater artwork and a coastal walk from Koombana Bay around with sculptures by and in the sea" - David Kerr