Modernisation of aFADs Will Boost Efficiency and Sustainability, Says Minister Shiyam

The administration plans to make substantial enhancements to the design of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) deployed in the country, as revealed by Ahmed Shiyam, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources. These innovations, according to the minister, will enable fishermen to remotely monitor fish aggregation in real-time, heralding a transformative leap forward for the industry.

FADs, structures employed to attract fish, have long been essential tools for efficient and effective fishing operations. In the Maldives, the predominant type of FADs is Anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs), tethered to the seabed and commonly utilised in both pole-and-line fishing and sports fishing.

In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the fisheries ministry is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of the design and functionality of these aFADs. Minister Shiyam, speaking to PSM News, underscored the urgent need for modernisation, noting that the existing aFADs were conceived over four decades ago.

One of the primary issues afflicting aFADs in the Maldives, according to Minister Shiyam, is the frequent snapping of anchoring lines due to rapid shifts in ocean currents, which are exacerbated by climate change. He emphasised the necessity of redesigning and updating the technology to address this problem.

“In certain countries, they can remotely monitor fish aggregation in real-time near FADs from a distance,” stated Minister Shiyam. “The FADs we have installed lack this technology. We only ascertain the aggregation of fish when we approach the FAD.” Elaborating on the ministry’s aspirations, Minister Shiyam detailed plans to integrate advanced monitoring technologies into the Maldives’ aFADs. “As I mentioned earlier, with modernisation and innovative mechanisms, we can observe that some countries have the capability to remotely monitor fish aggregation near FADs and assess the quantity of fish at the location. We are striving towards achieving this goal,” he added.

Minister Shiyam also highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the FAO to transform and modernise the aFADs. The objective is to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of fishing practices in the country. According to the minister, the implementation of modern aFADs is expected to reduce the time and fuel consumption required for fishing expeditions, thereby yielding significant cost savings. He also addressed the challenges faced by fishermen when an aFAD becomes dislodged from its anchor, a critical issue for their fishing activities.

Currently, the ministry utilises two distinct types of aFADs: one designated for pole-and-line fishing and the other for sports fishing. The Maldives boasts 65 pole-and-line fishing aFADs, along with an additional 26 dedicated to sports fishing.