The Department of Fisheries recently distributed Floating Aggregating Devices (FADs) to several fishermen cooperatives around the island. The move is part of a larger government initiative to support the fishing industry and mitigate the effects of climate change.

As part of its efforts to combat the negative impacts of climate change and rising costs on the fishing industry, the Department of Fisheries has distributed Floating Aggregating Devices (FADs) to several fishermen cooperatives around the island.

The FADs, which are anchored to the sea floor using ropes and buoys, are designed to attract fish by mimicking natural floating objects like logs and plants. This is expected to increase productivity and enable fishermen to catch fish in larger quantities and improve the quality and quantity of fish caught, benefiting both the fishing industry and the local economy

President of the Goodwill Fishermen Cooperative, Kaygianna Charlery expressed her gratitude for the FADs, which they say will help them to locate and catch fish more efficiently. According to her, the FADs will reduce the fishermen’s dependence on fuel, which has become a significant expense for the fisherfolk due to rising fuel costs. Charlery said, “It is becoming even more important that they make use of the FADs, the rising costs of fuel, the effects of climate change, the water temperature rises and so on, and so we welcome this initiative. It is really very timely and it will help us to increase our fish catch and support the food production sector in this country.”

Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer, Thomas Nelson encouraged responsible use of the FADs and adherence to sustainable fishing practices. In addition to distributing the FADs to fishermen cooperatives, he has also announced that the Department of Fisheries will provide technical support for the construction and deployment of the devices. Nelson said, “The Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to hand over these materials because we see it as a very important venture in supporting the FAD Development programming, supporting food security, supporting the livelihoods of fisheries, and also supporting the families that depend on them.”

This distribution of FADs is among several initiatives being implemented by the Department of Fisheries to promote sustainable fishing practices and safeguard marine ecosystems. With the implementation of FADs, increased catch efficiency, reduced operational costs, and economic growth are anticipated to benefit the fishing industry and local communities.