Windara Reef
The Windara Reef was the first shellfish restoration reef of its kind in South Australia. It was designed to contribute to a healthier marine environment and improved opportunities for recreational fishers.
The 4-hectare reef is located south of Ardrossan on the Yorke Peninsula, and within the vicinity of Rouges Point. It opened to recreational fishers in August 2017.
Windara Reef was expanded to 20 hectares in 2018. The Australian Government has invested $990,000 in the Stage 2 development.
Background
Windara Reef was one part of a $3.25 million package announced by the South Australian Government in 2014 to boost recreational fishing and tourism. The project was delivered in partnership with:
- The Nature Conservancy – a not-for-profit conservation organisation and international leader in shellfish restoration
- Yorke Peninsula Council
- RecFish SA
- University of Adelaide
- community stakeholders.
‘Windara’ is the Narungga name chosen in recognition of the local Aboriginal peoples’ connection with sea country – it refers to the eastern area of the Yorke Peninsula region where the reef is located.
Benefits
Windara Reef provides habitat restoration, specifically the restoration of native shellfish reefs which have been lost from the Yorke Peninsula region.
Through the provision of food and habitat, the Windara Reef has:
- supported fish production
- improved water quality
- assisted with coastal erosion.
Windara Reef has also provided economic and social benefits to the nearby Yorke Peninsula communities through the creation of new jobs and increased opportunities for marine industries. In particular, ecotourism and recreational fishing, new volunteering and community education programs.
Videos
Construction of Windara, Yorke Peninsula Shellfish Reef
Out of the Blue TV visits Windara reef
Yorke Peninsula Shellfish Reef News Story - courtesy of Channel 9