The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched a project to modernise Anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs) in the Maldives, aiming to enhance their efficiency and durability.
Fish Aggregating Devices, or FADs, are man-made objects placed in the ocean to attract fish, making them easier to catch. Anchored FADs (aFADs) are a specific type tethered to the seabed, widely used in the Maldives to support pole-and-line fishing and sports fishing. These devices have been instrumental in sustaining the country’s fishing industry, but the current designs have become outdated.
The design of aFADs in use today was developed 20 years ago and has proven prone to breakage, leading to challenges for fishermen and significant maintenance costs, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.
During an official visit to Italy last year, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam signed an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to overhaul the current designs. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing issues with the existing aFADs and promoting sustainable fisheries.
To launch the project, the Fisheries Ministry conducted a workshop involving relevant stakeholders. The workshop aimed to evaluate the performance of existing aFADs, identify their shortcomings, and gather feedback from stakeholders to guide the development of advanced prototypes.
Speaking at the event, Minister Shiyam described the project as the largest of its kind undertaken in the Maldives in four decades. He also highlighted the importance of utilising modern technology to create durable and efficient devices.
As part of the project, two new aFAD designs will be developed and tested in two areas of the Maldives. The FAO will provide technical and financial support for these trials, which are expected to reduce maintenance costs and improve fishing efficiency.
Currently, the Maldives operates 65 aFADs for pole-and-line fishing and 26 for sports fishing. These devices play a crucial role in sustaining the fisheries sector, a vital component of the nation’s economy and food security.
The project reflects the Maldives’ commitment to modernising its fishing infrastructure while promoting sustainable practices in one of its most important industries.
