The Nellaidhoo Island Council and the Fisheries Ministry have held discussions to install a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) near HDh. Nellaidhoo.
State Minister Mohamed Muttalib met with the council during the meeting held at the Fisheries Ministry today.
Members of the HDh. Nellaidhoo Council, Vaikaradhoo constituency MP Hussain Ziyad, and some senior officials of the ministry participated in the meeting, discussing the establishment of a FAD near Nellaidhoo. The Fisheries Ministry stated that discussions were also held regarding opportunities to develop the mariculture industry in the area. Noting that Nellaidhoo is an island involved in sea cucumber fishing, the meeting also explored opportunities for exporting sea cucumbers abroad.
Currently, there are no FADs in any island within the Vaikaradhoo constituency. There is only one FAD in HDh. Atoll at present. Installed in June last year, this FAD is located 3.9 miles east of Kulhudhuffushi City.
The Fisheries Ministry previously stated that atoll and island councils frequently request the installation of FADs. However, with only one FAD production center currently operational, they are unable to meet the demand. The ministry noted that a favorable solution will be reached once the FAD centers planned for two regions of the Maldives are completed. Looking at the Maldives' FAD network, there are currently FADs in 41 locations. FADs are specialized devices used for reef fishing and recreational fishing.
FAD installation is currently paused. The Fisheries Ministry stated that FAD installation work will resume next week.
