ARTE08
Artists for the Environment 2008
GPS to be advised once sufficient materials deployed. |
A REAF started by a sincere local artist who would like to challenge other artists to 'tautoko' (add to) this reef.
Located at 15 m depth. Closest REAF to shore so far.
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Test modules placed on 14 Mar 08, hauled up 3 weeks later. Small barnacles cover 50% module. Brown algae 80% cover. No burial. |
CMH30
A REAF sponsored in recognition of adventurous young women.
An open source REAF.
GPS
S 37° 58.000'
E 177° 17.500' |
A REAF commissioned 28 March 2007.
So far a few modules deployed but quite minimal. Deployment start made 3 April 2007 with just one SeaDrop®. Underwater sonar ecobuoy at centre. Apx 20m depth.
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A fishing effort prior to deployment produced no fish at all.
Some good catches over Autumn of kahawai and gurnard. Sufficient fish usually caught within two hours. |
STEPH's SPOT ©
A memorial REAF dedicated to those whose ashes may be scattered at sea but their energies live on through their offspring.
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A REAF initiated on 10 July 1999 but took a few years to become a reality.
Completed Nov 25 2007 with over 70 modules deployed.
Contains the first BioLink® ever designed and built. |
GPS coordinates to be listed once marine colonisation has taken place and divers have visited and photographed the deployment.
Should be listed late 2008. |
The first stage of the Opotiki Community REEF will accommodate 126 REAFs, but when the entire Opotiki Community Reef area is fully developed it can contain up to 800 REAFs. Further additions can be made to initial deployments at any time. (Tautoko Option).
REAFs can be built by REAF or go to Opportunities page learn about the Self Build option.
Fishing REAFs is really no different to fishing natural reef. You do not want to be fishing directly on top of a REAF as you could unnecessarily lose tackle to snagging on structure. On arriving at your REAF judge your anchoring so as to allow the boat to drift back down onto the edge of the REAF.
The less noise you make of course the less likely fish will be spooked. Ease your anchor over the side rather than tossing it to make a big splash.
Similarly if you are motoring further a field then REAF asks that you learn the boundaries of the enhanced fishing reef and give it a wide berth so as to not unnecessarily disturb the area.
REAFs present ideal territory for using soft bait fishing or jigging techniques that have become popular recently.
REAFs are deployed at 60-70m centres leaving plenty of space between for anchoring or just try drift fishing the area. Be mindful of any boat displaying a blue and white dive flag.
As word circulates about a REAF fishing particularly well (such stories abound amongst fisher folk), there is a risk of over fishing a spot. REAF asks that you resist such tempting stories and recall that one goal of building a Community Reef is so that we could all be confident of getting a feed of fresh fish forever.
Many REAFs are listed openly on this site and gifted for all to fish on. The entire area is open to fish in. But many people, whanau, and organisations have gone to the trouble and personal expense to deploy enhancement modules that go to make the entire area more productive. They have requested that their REAF location be kept private.
Naturally in the defined Opotiki Community Reef area you may come across REAFs on your depth finder. REAF asks that you be fair minded and don't steal the coordinates. There is ample opportunity for everyone to either fish open source REAFs, co-sponsor you own open REAF or take up the Self Build option.
Privately listed REAFs have allowed the enhancement concept to grow and the whole Community benefits. REAFs are often dedicated to someone and treating them with respect and not fishing them is advised.
REAF promotes giving back to the sea (Moana) as well as harvesting.
All fishers are bound by Ministry of Fishing Regulations. |
