Green light for Twofold Bay trawler
Decommissioned fishing vessel to become artificial reef in Hawke's Bay
After more than two years of environmental assessment and consultation, resource consent has been granted to sink the Twofold Bay trawler off the coast of Napier to create a new artificial reef and dive site. The boat is now almost fully prepared for sinking, with plans in place to sink the boat mid-June 2026, weather allowing.
The project is a collaboration between the Twofold Bay Charitable Trust and LegaSea Hawke's Bay, after the trawler was donated for the purpose. It was gifted by owner Rodney Green to LegaSea Hawke's Bay, who suggested it could make a good artificial reef, and help support marine biodiversity in the area.
The site for the proposed reef is three nautical miles from Napier Inner Harbour, in 17 metres of water, approximately 400 metres east of Pania Reef, and approximately 1.5km from the Port of Napier. The consent also includes the positioning of up to 50 reef cones on the sandy seabed surrounding the vessel at a later date, to provide protection during adverse weather events, and provide habitat for reef-associated fish species. The Trust expects the wreck to be safe for diving later this year.
Twofold purpose
The steel-hulled, rusting 60-year-old, 23-metre long vessel has been tied up at Napier's West Quay for more than three years after failing to meet maritime safety standards. It will now have its engine removed and the hull filled with concrete before being taken to sea for sinking. Prior to being sunk the boat will be cleaned to remove all contaminants, and all glass windows, doors and hatches will be removed. All large moveable objects like the prop shaft and rudder will be welded or otherwise secured in fixed positions.
"We're giving something back to Tangaroa, instead of taking," says Trust chair John Stewart. "We've had about 15 people on working bees since about June last year just to strip it back to the state it's in today. It's taken a lot of work."
At present, the chosen area in the Bay has a muddy, sandy bottom, and is almost devoid of structure. "This will provide an opportunity for people who are keen on diving. We expect people will come from all over the country to dive there," he says.
While the project is in full swing, the Trust is seeking further financial support to help meet the remaining funds needed to complete the project, including the sinking, reef cone installation and ongoing monitoring.
