Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has stated efforts are underway to restore detached Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in five regions of the country.
The fisheries ministry revealed eight of the FADs established in different parts of the country are currently detached, including FADs in the regions surrounding Filladhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Komandoo and Faadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Kaashidhoo and Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll, Ukulhas in Alifu Alifu Atoll and Hirilandhoo in Thaa Atoll. The ministry revealed its FAD teams are currently working on restoring the FADs near Filladhoo, Komandoo, Faadhoo, Maafushi and Ukulhas. The ministry said the preparations are also underway to begin restoration of the remaining three FADs that are detached.
FADs are anchored or drifting objects that are placed in the ocean to attract fish. The fisheries ministry stated one of the main reasons FADs get damaged or detached is the anchoring of vessels to the FADs. The ministry has urged fishermen not to anchor their vessels to FADs and to inform the ministry if any vessels are found anchored to FADs.