Australia's most advanced offshore wind project, Star of the South, is back on the water in search of Gippsland's big sport fish and among the contractors they are using is Lakes Entrance's Tony Kemna from Far Out Fishing. 
The two-week study, which started mid-February, will collect information about the number and type of pelagic fish in the area. Pelagic fish, such as yellowtail kingfish, southern bluefin tuna and sardines, live closer to the surface, sometimes swim in schools and move often and quickly. 
This study will add to the data already collected for the project's comprehensive marine surveys, providing more information about different species. Scientists from RPS and Deakin University are leading the study, using underwater video cameras fitted with bait to attract fish, and line fishing to survey the fish size and age. Echo-sounders will be used to locate
harder to find species. 

CAPTION: Tony Kemna, of Far Out Charters, has been conducting fish surveys for the Star of the South’s Gippsland wind farm project. (PS)