It's more than a FAD
25 Fish Attracting Devices (FADs) that act like magnets to mahi-mahi, dolphin fish and even marlin are being re-installed off NSW coastal waters following annual winter maintenance, said Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald.
FADs are yellow buoys, marked with a cross and navigation light on top, that are moored to the ocean floor. They are installed between 6 and 32 kilometres offshore from October to June, and are deployed from north to south to coincide with the movement of the East Australian Current, with the remainder of the devices to be installed in the State’s south by mid to late December.
“These devices are very popular amongst fishers and are used to enhance fishing opportunities for recreational fishers,” Macdonald said.
“The devices are already back in the water off Ballina, Evans Head, Wooli, Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks, Laurieton and Port Macquarie.
“And this week areas at Forster, Port Stephens, Swansea and Terrigal will be back up and running — weather permitting.”
Tying boats to FADs is prohibited as it may cause damage to the mooring line, causing the device to break free and become lost. GPS locations for the FADs will be posted on the Industry & Investment NSW web site when they are returned to the water.
Visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Images courtesy of I&I NSW.