New FAD design to be deployed next month

The Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has finalized a new design for Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), scheduling one new unit for deployment in August.

Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Ahmed Shiyam stated that the updated design was developed following research conducted in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The redesign aims to provide a permanent solution to the frequent loss of FADs caused by strong ocean currents and changing weather conditions, which regularly impacts fishermen.

Minister Shiyam noted that the practical benefits of the new infrastructure will become visible to the fishing community following the first installation next month.

The Maldives has relied on the same fundamental FAD technology and design for the past 40 years.