OFFSHORE anglers in NSW are set to benefit from the reinstallation of fish attracting devices (FADs) along the coast.
“Twenty-five fish attracting devices (FADs) are installed each year by the Department of Primary Industries off the NSW coast to enhance fishing opportunities for recreational fishers,” said Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson.
“The FADs, have already been deployed off Wooli, Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks, Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Forster with a number of additional FADs, including some near Sydney, to be set up in the coming months.
Monitoring by NSW DPI researchers has shown FADS attract a variety of game fish species including mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) and marlin.
Katrina Hodgkinson said the FAD program is just one of many initiatives funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
The devices are designed to withstand harsh coastal conditions and are deployed between six and 32 kilometres offshore from October to June. Their locations may fluctuate slightly depending on wind, swell and current direction.
People who use FADs are asked to abide by a code of conduct that can be found on the NSW DPI website and anglers can now sign up for emails to alert them of the locations of FADs and other relevant information.
For locations and more info: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater/fads/map
