RECREATIONAL fishers off Batemans Bay will enjoy more sport fishing opportunities after the deployment of a fish aggregating device (FAD).
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FADs are strategically placed at key fishing spots along the Far South Coast from October to June each year by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to provide a new target location for warm water fish species.
This year they have been placed 22km offshore Batemans Bay at a depth of 120m and at Eden 29km offshore at a depth of 125m.
Bega MP Andrew Constance said the devices were very effective at attracting fish species including mahi-mahi, wahoo and even marlin, and provided a dedicated and productive fishing spot for recreational fishers in the region.
He said the FAD program was just one of many initiatives funded from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
“This is another example of how the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is reinvesting money raised from the sale of the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee directly back into projects and initiatives which benefit recreational fishers in this region,” Mr Constance said.
“These FADs are a great example of how licence fees are used to benefit recreational fishers.”
The devices are designed to withstand harsh coastal conditions and are deployed between 6 and 32 kilometres offshore. Their locations may fluctuate slightly depending on wind, swell and current direction.
FADs are fitted with GPS tracking devices which enable DPI staff to track and locate any lost devices and replace them without delay.
A map showing the locations of the FADs can be found on the DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater/fads/map