More Fish To Catch Off Sydney And The North Coast

[Ken A]

Four new fish attracting devices (FADs) will be installed off the NSW coast this summer, as part of an on-going State Government program to improve recreational angling.

The new FADs will be deployed in waters off Ballina, Evans Head, Port Jackson and Botany Bay.

The first device is likely to be installed off the North Coast this week, weather permitting.

The expanded project will result in a major boost to the recreational angling and tourism sectors in Sydney and the North Coast.

The new devices will bring the total number of FADs along the NSW coastline to 19.

Since the first device was installed in 2002, FADs have been popular with anglers and have stimulated significant economic activity along the coast.

FADs are yellow, spherical buoys with a flashing beacon for safe navigation, which attract surface-dwelling fish such as mahi-mahi.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries previously conducted a three-year pilot project which will allowed scientists to collect data on the FADs and how they work, with results suggesting they are very successful.

For example, within weeks of the Port Macquarie FAD being installed last year, mahi-mahi up to 5kg large were seen around the device.

The FAD program is funded through the NSW Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust. Funds raised from the recreational fishing licence fee are placed into saltwater and freshwater Recreational Fishing Trusts with the money spent on projects to enhance recreational fishing in NSW.

[Narralakes]

Thanks for that Ken,

sounds good, but I imagine they are a few ks out which limit small boat owners such as myself.

[Bashir]

they are normally about 10km offshore, any closer and they probaby wouldn't hold as many dolphin fish. The deeper the fads/traps etc.... the better the quality of fish I have found.

[ankles]

they are normally about 10km offshore, any closer and they probaby wouldn't hold as many dolphin fish.  The deeper the fads/traps etc.... the better the quality of fish I have found.

66281[/snapback]

yep i am with bashir with is one the best dollie are about 10 k + out