Fish-friendly structures

Creating artificial fish-friendly structures does not justify disturbance to natural habitats, but it can help mitigate impacts of a development.

Report fish habitat damage

Contact the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116 or use the online form to report fish habitat damage.

Significant penalties may apply and serious cases are taken to court.

Fish-friendly structures:

  • Cause minimal disturbance to the existing environment.
  • Incorporate design features that provide an enhanced habitat in which native fish species can live.
  • Mitigate the impacts of development activities.

Native fish species benefit from fish-friendly design, which may provide and enhance:

  • fish passage
  • protection from predators
  • feeding opportunities
  • shelter from currents
  • breeding and nursery habitat.

When to use

Consider fish-friendly design for any necessary aquatic infrastructure in marine or freshwater:

  • small boat harbours and marinas
  • jetties
  • pontoons
  • boat ramps
  • erosion protection structures
  • boardwalks
  • mooring buoy
  • fishing platforms.

Plan and construct

  • Avoid sensitive or critical fish habitats.
  • Avoid construction during critical biological events.
  • Consider fish friendly design early in the planning process.
  • Consider habitat requirements for local species and avoid harbouring known pests to the area.
  • Recognise the risks and benefits that artificial structures bring.
  • Improve fish habitat values of existing structures.
  • Enhance fishing access.
  • Monitor the success of the fish friendly structure.
  • Educate and engage with the community, e.g. including appropriate signage.

Design features

  • Minimal development footprint.
  • Construction materials that are natural, or promote growth of aquatic plants and animals.
  • Construction material that is free of harmful substances that could be released.
  • Increased surface area and interstitial spaces to create habitat complexity.
  • Variety of habitat enhancements at all water depths.
  • Maintenance of fish passage and natural water flows.
  • Best practice construction.
  • Strength, durability and ease of maintenance.
  • Minimal shading of fish habitats.

Example of a fish-friendly jetty design

Image shows a drawing of two versions of a similar ocean bank with a jetty structure. The first drawing shows a jetty built above a shoreline that drops off to a 90 degree angle. There are two pillars under the jetty with a small amount of barnacles growing on them. Just 3 fish swim under the jetty. In the second drawing, which sits under the first, the jetty is longer. The bank underneath the jetty has been sloped to a 45 degree angle, gently leading into the water. There are 3 pillars supporting the jetty instead of 2. The jetty’s underside and middle pillar have additional, small, protruding structures attached that sit below the waterline. A similar structure sits on the sandy sea floor under the jetty. These are fish friendly artificial reef structures that have marine plants and coral growing on them. Dozens of fish of different species are swimming under the jetty.

Recreational fishing platforms

Fishing-friendly structures provide Queensland recreational fishers with safe, enjoyable and enhanced access to fishing grounds. If possible, it should be a dedicated fishing platform, to avoid conflict with other uses like boat mooring or swimming.

Locate platforms:

  • where minimal damage to natural habitats is required to install them
  • in coastal areas, where there is sufficient water depth to allow fishing at all stages of the tide.

Ensure they are easy to use by all fishers:

  • accessible features such as ramps for wheelchair users
  • lighting for night time fishing (not recommended in turtle hatchling areas)
  • rod holders
  • cleaning stations with water supply
  • fish measuring stations
  • signage to promote recreational fishing education, e.g. size and possession limits
  • TAngler bins to recycle old fishing line
  • shade and safety rails for safe fishing.