Terrigal is one of 34 sites along the eastern coast of NSW to have had a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) deployed by the State Government ahead of summer’s peak fishing season.
Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall, said FADs are GPS-tracked floating buoys anchored to the ocean floor to attract key pelagic fish species.
“Like flies to honey, sparkling sportfish swarm beneath these FADs,” Marshall said.
“Thirty-four of the devices are now floating … between the Tweed and far south coast.
“FADs really are a fisher’s best friend.
“They work by attracting and aggregating fish such as mahi-mahi in their general location, which works to create new fishing opportunities and eases pressure on existing hotspots.
“Right now is the perfect time to deploy these devices.
“With the start of the East Australian Current, tongues of warm blue water are pushing down the coastline, which should bring schools of hungry pelagic sportfish with them.”
Marshall said the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) FAD program looks at ways to provide more fishing opportunities each year.
“Expectations are this will be the biggest and best season yet,” he said.
“FADs deployment is funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust, where fishers pay their licence fees each year, which in turn are reinvested into initiatives like this.
“NSW is home to one million annual recreational fishers and the industry contributes $3.4B in economic activity each year, so it is critical we continue to invest.”
The FADs will remain in the water until early winter before being removed for maintenance.
Recreational fishers are encouraged to check the latest marine weather forecast before heading offshore.
Fishers can keep up-to-date on FAD deployments, locations and responsible fishing tips on the FishSmart app or via the NSW DPI website.
Source:
Media release, Dec 1
NSW Government