Four more great reasons to throw a line in this summer

Another four fish aggregating devices (FADs) have been installed in waters off NSW this week, as part of an on-going State Government program to improve recreational angling.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Recreational Fisheries Manager, John Diplock, said the latest FADs had been deployed off Sydney Harbour, Maroubra, Botany Bay and east of Port Hacking.

‘These bring the total number of FADs to be deployed along the NSW coastline to 19, which is four more than were deployed last year.’

‘The expanded project will result in a major boost to the recreational angling and tourism sectors in Sydney and the North Coast,’ Mr Diplock said.

‘Anglers have told me how much they appreciate the FADs because they create new fishing opportunities, while easing the pressure on existing popular fishing spots.’

‘Since the first device was installed in 2002, these fish attracting devices have been popular with anglers and have stimulated significant economic activity along the coast,’ Mr Diplock said.

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

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.

Remaining FAD deployment depending on weather:

• Week beginning 14 November - Terrigal and Sydney north
• Week beginning 21 November - Wollongong and Jervis bay