The Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (Sea Dumping Act) regulates the placement of artificial reefs in Australian waters where the purpose of the reef is:
- increasing or concentrating populations of marine plants and animals
- use for human recreational activities (for example, scuba diving, fishing, and surfing).
Anyone seeking to place an artificial reef for these purposes needs a sea dumping permit.
Permits
Permits ensure that:
- the purpose of creating an artificial reef is legitimate (i.e., not waste disposal)
- selected sites are appropriate
- selected materials are suitable and prepared properly
- there are no adverse impacts on the marine environment
- placing an artificial reef does not pose a danger to navigation, fishers, divers, or other users of the sea.
If you are planning an artificial reef project, contact us as early as possible in the process.
We recommend that you do not acquire material for a proposed artificial reef until you have an outcome from your permit application.
Key considerations when preparing an artificial reef permit application include:
- the National artificial reef guidelines
- the artificial reef placement application form
- evaluation and acquisition of adequate resources
- appropriate site selection
- material suitability and preparation requirements
- method of placement
- post-placement monitoring and management
- preparing a Placement Plan and Long-Term Management Plan (LTMP)
- how the artificial reef will be decommissioned when the permit expires.
If you are applying for an artificial reef permit, you must consult relevant stakeholders. This will include First Nations peoples, government agencies, and community and industry organisations. For more information on consultation requirements, see Consulting on your sea dumping permit application.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) has delegated authority under the Sea Dumping Act, within the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP). The National Artificial Reef Guidelines do not apply within the GBRMP. The Reef Authority’s Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs (2023) provides details about artificial reef applications within the GBRMP. Any future Reef Authority policies will also apply to applications in the GBRMP boundary. If you intend to place an artificial reef in GBRMP, you need to speak with the Reef Authority.
If you place materials to create an artificial reef without a permit, you may be fined, imprisoned, or both.
National artificial reef guidelines
The National artificial reef guidelines are designed to assist when considering the placement of an artificial reef in Australian waters. Before applying for a permit, read the guidelines and the artificial reef permit application form. The guidelines help you to:
- complete the application form
- provide us with the right information to assess your application.
The guidelines:
- provide clear, consistent standards and criteria for the development of artificial reefs
- ensure any potential impacts of placing an artificial reef are adequately managed
- provide guidance to effectively manage potential impacts if a permit is granted
- improve the quality of information on which assessments are based.
Section 5 of the guidelines provides information about specific types of artificial reefs. This section includes detailed information on vessels and aircraft intended to become artificial reefs. Information on purpose-built artificial reefs and repurposed infrastructure is being developed.
Resources
Artificial reef projects are labour-intensive and time-consuming. You must have the resources to construct the reef and carry out long term monitoring requirements for the duration of the permit if it is granted. These resources include:
- sufficient funds
- committed personnel
- appropriate expertise and equipment
- insurances.
Materials
Artificial reef values can be enhanced by appropriate material selection and design decisions. These values may include:
- biological productivity
- species abundance and diversity
- value and amenity to human users.
The main concerns when selecting materials for use in artificial reefs include:
- the immediate and ongoing protection of the marine environment, including protection from physical impacts (such as debris) and contaminants
- enhancement of the local ecosystem
- long term management, given the properties and maintenance of the proposed materials.
You must provide details of:
- history and previous use of repurposed material
- chemical components of materials including paints or coatings.
We have received proposals that include repurposing of oil and gas infrastructure. This type of infrastructure can hold significant amounts of hazardous chemicals. These chemicals may occur in parts, units, and compartments. Some materials must be removed before these structures may be considered for placement as artificial reefs. Details of these materials are provided in:
- the National artificial reef guidelines
- the London convention and protocol UNEP: guidelines for the placement of artificial reefs (UNEP Guidelines).
We have also received proposals that include polypropylene (a type of plastic) fibres to reinforce concrete in artificial reef modules. We are concerned about the potential impact of plastic fibres on the marine environment. The CEO of the National EPA is unlikely to grant a permit for artificial reefs when the design includes plastic fibres. Artificial reefs should use traditional steel or other natural fibres to reinforce concrete. This recommendation is informed by:
- a review of scientific literature
- expert advice from the National Environmental Science Program.
Placement Plan
A Placement Plan must be developed by the applicant and included in a permit application. A plan must include:
- a full description and justification of the method of preparation and placement
- consideration of human and navigational safety.
Preparation and placement activities may include:
- cutting of oil and gas infrastructure to reuse in an artificial reef
- potential vessel usage
- involvement of licenced or qualified divers.
We provide a Placement Plan template which must be used for this purpose. An overview of the Placement Plan must also be provided in the artificial reef permit application.
Download
Placement Plan Template for artificial reef permit (PDF 143 KB)
Placement Plan Template for artificial reef permit (DOCX 70.2 KB)
Long-term Management Plan (LTMP)
A LTMP must be included as a separate document with the permit application. A detailed outline of the monitoring and management procedures must be included. Implementation of the LTMP normally forms part of the permit conditions.
Permit holders are responsible for the long-term monitoring and management of the artificial reef for the life of the permit. The LTMP commences when the activities outlined in the Placement Plan finish. That is, once it is verified the reef is placed according to the reef design that was approved for placement under the permit.
You must develop a LTMP using the template below. An overview of the LTMP must also be provided in the artificial reef permit application form.
Download
Long-Term Management Plan Template for an artificial reef permit (PDF 168 KB)
Long-Term Management Plan Template for an artificial reef permit (DOCX 70.7 KB)
Permit application form and fee
The application fee for an artificial reef permit is $10,000.
For information on how to apply for a permit and pay the fee visit: how to apply for a sea dumping permit.
Download
Permit application form for an artificial reef (PDF 381 KB)
Permit application form for an artificial reef (DOC 107 KB)
If you need help accessing these files, visit web accessibility.