Floating object identified as a Fish Aggregating Device

During a recent research trip, our biologists and crew picked up a large object floating in the waters near Dyer Island. This object turned out to be what is known as a FAD – a Fish Aggregating Device – that is used by various fisheries to attract target species such as tuna, marlin, and sharks.

This huge square grid with large netting attached below was floating a few metres below the water surface, with a large transponder attached and seen on the surface. FADs are used by fisheries to create a mini-ecosystem floating just below the surface, providing food and protection for a variety of fish species.

Once the FAD has created enough of a biomass, fishing vessels will approach and use massive nets, catching the accumulated fish species, often with huge amounts of bycatch, including sharks, turtles, and juvenile fish.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 17)