Freshwater fish attracting structures (FAS): Evaluating a new tool to improve fishing quality and access to fisheries resources in Australian impoundments

Recreational angling is an extremely popular pastime in Australia and generates significant social and economic benefits, particularly in regional areas. One of the major challenges facing reservoir fisheries is the decline in reservoir productivity and habitat due to the natural effects of reservoir aging. When an impoundment fishery declines, generally so does the number of anglers using the impoundment and the benefits they bring. This project will evaluate several types of fish attracting structures (FAS) to attract a range of native fish species in impoundments and from this determine the impacts of various FAS on angler catch rates and angler satisfaction and visitation rates. Lastly the project will develop of best practice guidelines for installation of FAS in Australian impoundments.