FOLLOWING a number of incidents in northern NSW, anglers are being reminded that it is illegal to tie boats to Fish Attracting Devices (FADs).
This follows NSW Fisheries’ recent redeployment of a popular bait attracting FAD at South West Rocks, which reportedly resulted from urging and assistance from NSW Ecofishers. The previous FAD was believed to have been destroyed as a result of commercial long-liner vessels illegally tying up to it. Conflicts had also occurred between the crews of these ships and rec fishers who were attempting to catch live baits. The management of this FAD and others of its type is funded by the state’s recreational fishing licence fees.
Unfortunately, within 24 hours of the FAD being redeployed two recreational fishing boats were seen tied up to it. This is a timely reminder that it is illegal to tie up to any FAD – they are not designed to cope with the strain of boats being attached to them.
If you see any illegal activity relating to FADs it can be reported to the local Ecofishers director Les Palmer on 0427674354 who can report directly to the relevant Fisheries Officer.
GPS coordinates for the bait FAD are: South East 30° 52.643′ 153° 03.181′.
