FADs fishing fanatics in Dampier, Point Samson and Broome are soon to be able to target pelagic powerhouse fishlike billfish and dolphin all year round!
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland joined the new Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna to announce the introduction of eight new generation FADs off Broome, Dampier and Point Samson now being deployed all year round.
The new reinforced FADs will be deployed off Broome and Dampier in the next couple of weeks and have been re-engineered with more robust chain rigging and modelled to withstand cyclone conditions.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Recfishwest has been working with the Broome fishing clubs and the fishing clubs in Dampier to find good locations for these FADs. The Department and State Government have put the funding in to upgrade them for all year-round deployment which is a great opportunity to have sportfishing and game fishing for pelagic species throughout the year in those regions.
“So, it’s a great outcome and we’re really pleased to see the State Government continue to back this program in.”
Minister Jarvis added, “FADs help attract species that we know are in abundance based on scientific research and stock management, supporting sustainable recreational fishing across the State.”
One of the Dampier FADs will also be used as a platform for a wave buoy, expanding WA’s network of buoys which provide real-time observations of wave conditions.
This live wave and temperature data will be available through wawaves.org allowing fishers to better plan their trips. The data will also be used by University of WA scientists to improve models of how or when the swell arrives in Dampier Port.
Recfishwest will update you with the coordinates once the FADs have been deployed – keep your eyes on our channels for more and check in on our FADs webpage!
