The Ministry of Fisheries has stated that under the project to redesign the Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) currently used in the Maldives using modern technology, work is currently underway to prepare the design concept.
Under the project initiated in January this year with the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), work is currently underway to prepare the FAD design concept. The Ministry of Fisheries stated that after finalizing the design and materials to be used this year, procurement work will begin. The Ministry also stated that under this project, two prototype FADs are planned to be deployed in the first quarter of next year.
The first FAD in the Maldives was established in the mid-1980s. Since then, with changes brought to the FAD design, the design currently in use was prepared about twenty years ago. However, the Ministry noted that it is important to further develop this design to reduce the rate of FADs breaking off and to increase their lifespan.
The FAD network in the Maldives currently includes 75 pole-and-line FADs and 41 trolling FADs. Pole-and-line FADs are specialized for pole-and-line or offshore tuna fishing. Trolling FADs are specialized for reef fishing and recreational fishing. To further expand the FAD network, the government has decided to establish additional FAD preparation centers in two regions of the Maldives. In this regard, work is underway to establish the first center in Sh. Funadhoo. The Ministry of Fisheries previously stated that the foundation stone for this center will be laid and practical work is targeted to begin before this year's Fishermen's Day.
