The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has announced the re-deployment of a pole-and-line Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) 11 nautical miles east of L. Maabaidhoo, following the drifting of the previously installed unit.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the newly deployed FAD, bearing identification number L10D01-01, was anchored at the exact same location where the unit was last installed on 11 February 2024. The prompt operation was carried out by the Ministry to restore essential fishing grounds and facilitate easier access to tuna schools for pole-and-line fishermen operating in Laamu Atoll and surrounding waters.
This effort forms part of an ongoing special field mission conducted by the technical team of the Ministry of Fisheries to repair and establish FADs across the central atolls. Yesterday, as part of this deployment tour, the team successfully re-deployed a pole-and-line FAD 9 nautical miles southeast of Th. Guraidhoo to replace a unit that had drifted away. Prior to their work in Thaa Atoll, the Ministry’s technical team visited Meemu Atoll, where they also re-deployed two drifted pole-and-line FADs.
The Ministry of Fisheries highlighted that re-establishing these dedicated pole-and-line FADs will bring significant relief to fishing vessels across the central atolls. By shortening the distance required to locate tuna schools, the newly placed units will help reduce search times and cut fuel expenditure substantially.
The Ministry emphasized that pole-and-line fishing remains an environmentally friendly and sustainable method. Consequently, these anchored FADs serve as vital infrastructure that enables fishermen to harvest high-quality skipjack tuna without harming the marine ecosystem.
