- The government installed 99 fish aggregating devices nationwide, the most under any Maldivian administration, with 47 for skipjack tuna and 52 for sport and reef fishing.
- Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said replacing lost or damaged FADs is a priority this month to protect fishermen's livelihoods.
- A nationwide network of offshore FADs is under development and expected to be completed by the end of February 2027.
The government has installed 99 fish aggregating devices across the Maldives, expanding fishing infrastructure used by commercial tuna fishermen and those involved in sport and reef fishing.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, 47 of the devices are intended primarily for skipjack tuna fishing, while the remaining 52 support sport and reef fishing.
The Ministry said the total represents the highest number of FADs installed under a Maldivian administration. This includes 44 devices for sport and reef fishing installed last year.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said replacing lost or damaged FADs would receive priority this month, as disruptions to the network can directly affect fishermen who depend on the devices for their daily livelihoods.
The Ministry is seeking to address such losses more quickly by repairing or replacing affected devices. FADs can become damaged or go missing after being deployed at sea, creating difficulties for fishermen who rely on established fishing locations.
The government is also developing a nationwide network of offshore FADs. Minister Shiyam said the network is expected to be completed by the end of February 2027.
