An extra reason to throw a line in off Kiama

Recreational fishers around the Kiama area should have an even greater chance at fishing success with the deployment today of a fish aggregating device (FAD). The FAD is part of an on-going State Government program to improve recreational angling in NSW.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Recreational Fisheries Manager, John Diplock, said two new FADs, had been deployed this week, one off Kiama and the other off Eden.

‘These bring the total number of FADs to be deployed along the NSW coastline to 21, the highest number since the programme was introduced.’

‘The expanded project will result in a major boost to the recreational angling and tourism sectors in the coastal areas that they have been deployed,’ 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 reefs and 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 and other fast growing pelagic fish.

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.

Media contact: Kelly Stevens on 8289 3949 or 0438 247 571.