Tiwi pearl , the tuna fishing vessel, designed to be made an artificial reef and proposed to be sunk in Moreton Bay with a trumpet blast has sunk two days ahead of the schedule. It was certain to flood the vessel near St Helena Island.

According to Cleveland MP Mark Robinson, "The Tiwi Pearl was sent to join the oysters because the government feared that the fishers would use Sunday's sinking to protest against the governments fishing closures in Moreton Bay, off Brisbane".

Instead of the planned position on the decided day, it was wrecked to make an artificial reef. The Environment Minister was informed that the fishing and boating groups would be going to uplift and support protest at the press symposium suppose to be attended by her.

She further confirmed that the vessel sunk prior to the planned date due to the stormy weather conditions, after consultation with the "Naval experts".

She declared, "This is something that the recreational fishing industry wanted".