The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has confirmed the installation of 22 Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) under the current administration, signalling a strategic expansion of marine infrastructure aimed at improving access to productive fishing grounds across the country.
Of these, 12 devices were placed during the previous year, and 10 have been installed thus far in 2025, bringing the national total to 101. The ministry said the initiative reflects a continuing commitment to modernising a sector considered fundamental to both the economy and the well-being of coastal communities.
The additions strengthen an existing network divided into two primary categories: 65 'Dhoshi Kandhufathi' units used for pole-and-line fishing, calibrated for tuna and deep-sea operations, and 36 'Vadhu Kandhufathi' units designed for sports and reef fishing, which support reef-based and recreational activity. Ministry officials noted that pole-and-line FADs are engineered for longline and offshore tuna harvesting, particularly skipjack tuna. Sports and reef fishing FADs, in contrast, accommodate the distinct requirements of reef fisheries and leisure angling.
Despite increased deployment, authorities noted a logistical bottleneck stemming from the existence of only one installation centre in Hulhumalé, which continues to constrain expansion efforts across the nation’s widely dispersed maritime zones. The ministry has initiated plans to address the constraint by establishing two additional installation centres, one in the northern and another in the southern region, with construction of a new facility in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, scheduled to commence before the end of the year.