The fishing industry and fishers are set to reel in the benefits of more fish attracting devices (FADs) being deployed in Queensland waters.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing investment in the FADs program is timely for businesses affected by COVID-19.
“Queensland’s economic recovery plan recognises the importance of growing our regions, starting from a strong base in traditional sectors – and attracting new and exciting opportunities,” Ms Lui said.
“The installation of four new FADs off Weipa in the Far North has the potential to create jobs in the region by enhancing local fishing and tourism.
“With Queensland’s strong health response, we’re able to continue to support and foster local tourism destinations – and warmly welcome visitors to the Far North.”
“Planning is well underway for the next stage of the FADs program, which will also provide a sustainable fishing option and help secure jobs in the fishing industry across the charter sector, tackle providers, boat builders and marine service centres.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the FADs program is about building on Queensland’s reputation for world-class recreational fishing and protecting the sustainability of fish stocks for future generations.
“Since November last year, we’ve deployed 25 fish attracting devices in the South East to improve fishing experiences and reduce fishing effort on low stocks of snapper and pearl perch,” Mr Furner said.
“The FADs are proving popular with charter and recreational fishers who have reported good catches of mahi mahi, while some commercial line fishers have also used the devices for fishing during the coronavirus pandemic.”
Fish attracting devices are designed to aggregate fish to make them easier to catch and have been used extensively throughout the world for thousands of years, particularly for pelagic fish species.
A comprehensive monitoring program is underway to gauge the success of the Queensland FADs program.
For GPS locations of Queensland’s fish attracting devices, visit .
