The Leven SCUBA Club, a renowned Scuba Diving club in Devonport, Northwest Coast Tasmania, has recently established two impressive artificial reefs near Devonport. These reefs were strategically created to attract marine life and provide a recreational diving spot in an otherwise barren area. Recognising the heavy overfishing that plagues the North West Coast of Tasmania, the club took the initiative to address this pressing issue through the creation of these artificial reefs.
To kick off their efforts, the club purchased an iconic 66 ft. long wooden vessel known as the Peebinga. This vessel, which had once served as a diving tender during World War II and was later named the SEAL, was prepared for sinking and towed to its current location in 30 meters of water off Don Heads. Although the hull of the SEAL eventually broke up after six months, resulting in some debris, the site still serves as a thriving fish habitat.
Undeterred by this setback, the Leven SCUBA Club pressed forward with their mission to create a more substantial reef. They chose to use Reefball moulds, provided by the esteemed Reefball Foundation of America, to construct this new reef. These prefabricated concrete shells have proven to be exceptionally stable and ideal habitats for fish in other parts of the world. In the year 2000, the club successfully deployed 50 Reefballs off Moorlands Beach near Port Sorell at a depth of 20 meters. Since then, the reef has attractively flourished, showcasing abundant marine life such as sponges, kelp, algae, ascidians, zoanthids, anemones, shellfish, seastars, crabs, and a diverse array of fish species including boarfish, cod, cowfish, silver trevally, silverbellies, and barber perch.
The Leven SCUBA Club's dedicated efforts in creating a sustainable marine habitat are already yielding promising results, despite the harsh Bass Strait winter weather they face. To delve deeper into the fascinating world of these artificial reefs and to read the detailed Artificial Reef Report by Greg Close, interested individuals are invited to visit the Leven SCUBA Club's website. There, they will find valuable information and insights about these remarkable initiatives undertaken by the club.
This upcoming scuba diving event, organised by the Leven SCUBA Club, provides an excellent opportunity for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers to experience the wonders of these captivating artificial reefs. By participating in this event, attendees will not only immerse themselves in the mesmerising marine environment but also contribute to the club's ongoing efforts to cultivate sustainable marine habitats along the Northwest Coast of Tasmania.
So mark your calendars and get ready to embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure with the Leven SCUBA Club. Join us at this scuba diving event and witness firsthand the remarkable results of our dedication to preserving our precious marine ecosystems. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the depths of the sea and support the Leven SCUBA Club's mission. For more information, be sure to visit our website and discover the enchanting world that awaits you beneath the waves.
