A recent study reveals that abandoned fish aggregating devices (FADs) used in tuna fishing are causing harm to marine life, including coral reefs, even within protected areas. These drifting rafts, utilized to catch small tropical tuna like skipjack, are estimated to have infiltrated over 1,500 marine protected zones worldwide, despite regulations prohibiting fishing in these areas.
FADs, typically the size of a boardroom table, attract fish by hanging ropes underneath them rather than mesh nets, which were banned in 2025 due to entanglement risks to wildlife. Equipped with GPS buoys and fish detectors, these rafts lure fish for easy capture by fishing vessels using purse seine nets once a sufficient amount has gathered.
However, the study reports that FADs drifting into protected areas have resulted in over 6,000 strandings in 174 sites, causing damage to coral reefs and endangering marine species like sharks and turtles. While efforts have been made to address these environmental concerns, challenges remain in cleaning up FAD waste, especially in regions like French Polynesia, the Seychelles, and the Maldives, where accumulation is prominent.
To mitigate these impacts, initiatives promoting sustainable fishing practices, such as the Marine Stewardship Council’s certifications, have encouraged improvements in FAD design, including the development of biodegradable alternatives like the “jelly FAD.” Recommendations from experts include limiting FAD deployment, avoiding release in high-risk areas, and incentivizing retrieval of old devices to reduce marine pollution and protect wildlife.
Collaborative efforts between fishing companies, environmental organizations, and regulatory bodies are crucial in ensuring the responsible management of FADs to safeguard marine ecosystems. Awareness and continued research are key in driving industry practices towards more sustainable and eco-friendly fishing methods.
