The artificial reef structure is more than 10 metres tall and consists of two steel modules each weighing more than 50 tonnes. It was installed in December 2021.

The reef is 40 metres below the surface three kilometres offshore of Bengelo Beach - half way between Broulee Island and Moruya Heads.

A Department of Primary Industries (DPI) spokesperson said the location of the reef was determined by considering the location of natural reefs, fisher support, the distance from previously installed offshore artificial reefs and the availability of boating infrastructure such as boat ramps to facilitate safe access to the reef.

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The spokesperson said DPI was pleased with the progress of the reef and the growing population of fish in the area.

The spokesperson said colonisation of a reef started immediately upon the installation of the structure, beginning with small bait species, attracting different fish populations.

The rate of colonisation of an artificial reef is greatly influenced by currents and water temperatures.

Recent footage taken by UnderseaROV revealed the reef is supporting a number of species including Morwong, Snapper, Banded Rockcod and Yellowtail Scar.

The spokesperson said it would be approximately two years before the installment became a fully-functioning reef.

They said the chances of catching a fish at the reef would only increase with every subsequent season.