Jurien Bay Fishing Aggregate Device program proving to be successful after first two months

Fishers in Jurien Bay are catching glory, as the four fishing aggregate devices (FADs) that have been deployed off the coast have so far proven to be successful. The State Government-funded FADs were officially set up in March earlier this year around 40-50km west of Jurien Bay. The tougher to catch sportfish such as dolphinfish, tuna and billfish swim around the devices, making it easier for fishers to locate them and reel in a catch. Since the trials started along Jurien Bay, not only have the number of catches improved but the size of fish being caught has also been going up recently, according to Recfishwest. A 19kg dolphinfish was recently pulled in with the help of one of the FADs, and it is one of the biggest to be caught in WA and came close to matching the Australian record of 22kg. The FADs also have attracted more tourism to Jurien Bay, which recently hosted the Perth Game Fishing Club classic fishing competition. Recfishwest operations lead Matt Gillett said: “It has been a journey to get to this stage but all of the hard work and support we have had from so many in the fishing community and fishing clubs like Perth Game Fishing Club has paid off now that we have a fully established FADs program backed by the State Government moving forward. “We’re looking forward to seeing how (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development) will continue to develop and coordinate the FADs program in the northern parts of the State during the winter months.” The FADs will remain in Jurien Bay for another six weeks before being taken out for the rough winter months and redeployed in the northern regions.