The Department of Primary Industry and Resources is calling on our fishing community to help find three missing Fish Attracting Devices (FADs).

In September 2018 five trial FADs were deployed in waters off Darwin, however due to a period of sustained large seas and wind three have now gone missing.

Two FADs were positioned near the Fenton Patches artificial reef complex and two were positioned in the vicinity of North Gutter. One was also deployed at Dundee and remains in that location.

Manager Marine Rangers and Aquatic Biosecurity Support, Evan Needham said early indications were that the FADs were working well, attracting large schools of bait baitfish and several species of mackerel.

“We received a lot of positive feedback from recreational fishos about the FADs and the fish life surrounding them.

“We ensured the FADs were deliberately over engineered to ensure robustness of the tackle and mooring system, but the design was yet to be tested in our conditions hence the trial,” he said.  

“Late last year one of the Fenton Patches FADs broke free and was later recovered near Wagait Beach with investigations suggesting it was struck and cut free by a large vessel.

“Unfortunately then last month, following weeks of strong winds and large seas, we have bene unable to locate the remaining FADS.

“None were visible in the area of their original location and they could not be located after a wider search. We are unsure if they have been broken free, moved or sunk.

“If anyone has seen the FADs or has come into contact with them, we are asking them to contact the Fisheries office on 89992144.”

The installation of FADs offshore from Darwin was a trial to investigate both the fish attracting properties in NT waters, the design suitability and the longevity of the FAD installations.

Mr Needham said given the encouraging early results the FADs played in providing additional quality fishing opportunities, Fisheries would now be focussing on reviewing the locations, investigating why the failures occurred and looking at how to improve and build the next phase of the trial.