Queensland fishers are set to reel in a great catch with the installation of 10 new fish attracting devices (FADs) off the south-east Queensland coast this week.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said the floating buoy FADs would be tethered offshore to attract fish.
“We’re creating a world-class experience by investing $1 million in these structures that will attract sports fish species including Mahi Mahi (dolphin fish), cobia and mackerel,” Mr Furner said.
He said an added benefit of the devices was that they would take pressure off snapper and pearl perch, which were currently overfished with stocks very low.
“By encouraging recreational fishers to target species other than snapper and pearl perch, we can ensure a sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren,” Mr Furner said.
He said the FADs had been installed in 10 locations from Double Island Point to the Gold Coast by the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol.
Mr Furner said almost one million Queenslanders had enjoyed recreational fishing at least once over the past year, making the sector an important driver of jobs and tourism.
“A few weeks ago we asked fishers to have their say on the proposed locations and suggestions for other places to install these FADs and 90 per cent of respondents said they loved the idea,” he said.
GPS locations of the FADs are available on the Department’s website at this PS News link.
