Fish aggregating device

Fish aggregating devices (FADs) are designed to attract baitfish and predatory pelagic species including mackerel, trevally and queenfish.

When using a FAD, fishers are reminded to:

• always slow your approach when nearing a FAD
• use their sounder to identify fish or bait schools in a large area around the FAD
• be courteous and respectful to others
• keep boats, lines and lures a safe distance from the FAD and other people and boats.
• take turns in fishing around the FAD and accommodate new arrivals
• take only what you need for a feed.

It is illegal for spearfishers to have a loaded speargun within 150 metres of another person who is not part of their fishing group.

Locations of fishing aggregating devices

In December 2025, NT Fisheries deployed four FADs at the following coordinates:

• FAD 1 - 12°09.500′S, 130°44.833′E
• FAD 2 - 12°08.933′S, 130°44.833′E
• FAD 3 - 12°10.300′S, 130°38.500′E
• FAD 4 - 12°06.667′S, 130°34.133′E.

NT Fisheries is actively monitoring these devices using GPS trackers and conducting surveys to assess fish abundance around each site.

We welcome feedback from recreational fishers who use these FADs. If you have fished at any of these locations, please share your experiences and results with us by emailing fisheries@nt.gov.au.

Before you leave shore

The FADs are situated a long distance from shore.

Before you visit a FAD, you should do the following:

• ensure your boat is suitable for offshore fishing
• check you have all the correct safety equipment required by law
• check the current marine weather forecast to assess if conditions are suitable for boating.

Report damaged or missing FADs

If you see a damaged or misused FAD or notice one that appears to be missing from its marked position, contact the Fisheries Department by emailing fisheries@nt.gov.au.