Fugro has completed the installation of an artificial reef off the coast of Dampier, Western Australia, delivering a major boost to marine biodiversity and community fishing opportunities.
The project was carried out on behalf of Woodside Energy and Recfishwest, marking a significant milestone in collaborative marine conservation in the Pilbara region.
The newly installed reef consists of 48 concrete modules positioned on the seabed from Fugro’s multipurpose vessel, Fugro Etive.
Spanning approximately 16,000 square metres, the structure is designed to create a new habitat for local fish species while encouraging coral and marine vegetation growth.
Over time, the reef will develop into a thriving ecosystem, supporting both environmental sustainability and recreational fishing in the Dampier area.
Barry Walsh, Service Line Director I&M, Pacific, at Fugro, said: “We’re proud to support this project, using our marine expertise to install reef modules that will help boost biodiversity and benefit the local Dampier community for years to come.
“Our collaboration with Woodside and Recfishwest demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and the recreational fishing community work together for positive impact.”
The initiative is the result of close cooperation between Woodside Energy and Recfishwest, supported by the Western Australian government, the City of Karratha, Traditional Owners and local fishing clubs.
It highlights a growing trend across the resources sector — where large-scale industrial capability is being harnessed to achieve meaningful environmental and social outcomes.
Officials from Woodside and Recfishwest said the project reflects their shared commitment to partnering with local stakeholders to create lasting environmental benefits.
By combining technical expertise with community insight, the partners aim to enhance the ecological health of the coastline while delivering new recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.
Fugro’s role in the project involved precision marine operations to ensure the concrete reef modules were safely and accurately deployed on the seabed.
Each unit is engineered to provide structural complexity that promotes fish aggregation and shelter, mimicking natural reef formations in the region.
The reef’s modular design will encourage colonisation by corals, molluscs, and invertebrates, forming the foundation of a diverse aquatic community.
As marine life establishes itself on the structures, the site is expected to attract species valued by both recreational fishers and conservationists, contributing to the local economy and the health of coastal ecosystems.
For Dampier and the wider Karratha region, the artificial reef signifies more than an environmental success; it also represents an investment in sustainable recreation and community wellbeing.
The project supports the goals of Recfishwest to expand safe, high-quality fishing experiences while strengthening stewardship of Western Australia’s marine environments.
With the installation complete, environmental monitoring will continue to track the reef’s development and its positive effects on biodiversity.
The project stands as a model for how industry, government, and community organisations can work together to deliver tangible ecological improvements along the state’s northern coastline.