Tiwi Pearl sunk early due to rough conditions

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
The Honourable Kate Jones
12/03/2010
TIWI PEARL SUNK EARLY DUE TO ROUGH CONDITIONS
 
The Tiwi Pearl has been sunk earlier than expected due to rough conditions in Moreton Bay, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said today.

Ms Jones said the old tuna fishing vessel was scheduled to be sunk on Sunday to become a new artificial reef for recreational fishermen but mother nature stepped in.

"The Tiwi Pearl was obviously too determined to wait until Sunday to begin her new life at the bottom of the sea," Ms Jones said.

"Naval experts made the decision to cut her loose today after she lost two of four of her moorings.

"Rough conditions are also forecast for the weekend so it was decided that sinking the ship today was the right thing to do.

"The ship was sunk at around 1pm today in her intended position near St Helena Island in the middle of the Bay."

Ms Jones said recreational fishermen now had a new artificial reef to fish from.

"The 24-metre, 96-tonne ship will form a major extension to Harry Atkinson Reef," she said.

"Harry Atkinson's been a popular fishing spot but the Tiwi Pearl will help attract many more bait fish, small tuna and mackerel than current numbers.

"We purchased the Tiwi Pearl as part of the Bligh Government's $2 million election commitment to build six new artificial reefs in Moreton Bay to enhance fishing opportunities for recreational fishermen.

"This is the first of those six reefs with more on the way this year."

Diving is not permitted at Harry Atkinson Reef. It is used solely for fishing.