![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/01\/FAD2_37729.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRECREATIONAL fishers have 34 new ‘fish magnets’ along the NSW coast, with floating devices deployed to attract prized catches like mahi-mahi and tuna.<\/p>\n
Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are GPS-tracked buoys anchored to the ocean floor, attracting fish such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna.<\/p>\n
Ahead of summer, FADs are strategically placed along the coast to create reliable fishing spots for recreational fishers.<\/p>\n
On the North Coast, FADs are located at Tweed Heads, Brunswick Heads, the Richmond River at Ballina, and Evans Head.<\/p>\n
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty described FADs as “fish magnets of the ocean” and highlighted their economic benefits.<\/p>\n
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“As well as improving fishing opportunities, FADs stimulate significant economic activity for the recreational fishing industry, providing a major boost to the fishing and tourism sectors in the coastal areas where they are deployed,” she said.<\/p>\n
FADs are removed in early winter for cleaning, maintenance, and upgrades, including GPS system checks and anchor replacements.<\/p>\n
The program is funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust, supported by fishing licence fees, to improve fishing opportunities across NSW.<\/p>\n
Fishers can track FAD locations, coordinates, and tips for responsible fishing on the FishSmart app or the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RECREATIONAL fishers have 34 new ‘fish magnets’ along the NSW coast, with floating devices deployed to attract prized catches like mahi-mahi and tuna. Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are GPS-tracked buoys anchored to the ocean floor, attracting fish such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna. Ahead of summer, FADs are strategically placed along the coast to create […]<\/p>\n