Pole-and-Line Fish Aggregating Device Deployed Southeast of Th. Guraidhoo

A technical team from the Ministry of Fisheries Agriculture and Ocean Resources has successfully deployed a new outer pole-and-line Fish Aggregating Device, 9 nautical miles southeast of Th. Guraidhoo (Serial Number: L09D04).

The installation on 28 September 2026 was carried out after the previous unit went adrift. The last pole-and-line FAD deployed at this location was installed in August 2020 to support yellowfin tuna fishermen operating across central waters.

This deployment is part of an ongoing field mission by the ministry's technical team to service and strengthen the national FAD network throughout the Central Atolls. Before traveling to Thaa Atoll, the team visited Meemu Atoll, where they successfully deployed two FADs.

The re-establishment of dedicated pole-and-line Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) will provide significant convenience to pole-and-line fishing vessels operating in Thaa Atoll and the Central Atolls. Specifically, it will shorten travel distances required to locate tuna schools, leading to reduced fuel expenditure.

Pole-and-line fishing is an environmentally friendly and sustainable method. Consequently, these deployed FADs serve as the most sustainable tool for harvesting top-quality skipjack tuna without harming other marine life.