Sydney anglers should benefit this summer from the reinstallation of fish attracting devices off the coast this week.
The fish attracting devices (FADs) will be put back in the water at Sydney North, Sydney Harbour, Sydney East, Sydney South and Botany Bay Wide, following annual winter maintenance.
“The devices are extremely popular amongst fishers and act like magnets for attracting fish, including mahi-mahi, dolphin fish and even marlin,” NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said.
“These devices are yellow buoys, marked with a cross and navigation light on top, that are moored to the ocean floor and are used to enhance fishing opportunities for recreational fishers.
“As the weather warms up, more fishers are taking to the water, and these fish attracting devices provide better fishing for recreational sport and game anglers, by creating an alternative to traditional fishing grounds.”
Around 25 of the devices are being reinstalled along the NSW coast, including off Ballina, Evans Head, Wooli, Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks, Laurieton, Port Macquarie, Forster, Port Stephens, Swansea and Terrigal.
Fishos using the FADs are asked to abide by a code of conduct that can also be found on the Department’s website. Tying boats to FADs is prohibited as it may cause damage to the mooring line, causing the device to break free and become lost. Fines of up to $5,500 apply for this offence.
GPS locations for the FADs will be posted at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries
