Maldivian Govt Claims More FADs Add To Productive Fishing Grounds  

The Maldives Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources recently confirmed that 22 FADs were installed over a period of two years for its pole-and-line fisheries. Out of these, 12 were placed in 2024, and 10 this year. Currently, there are 101 FADs deployed in this fishery in and around the Maldivian EEZ. A new government came into power in 2023 and implemented a FAD deployment plan to expand marine infrastructure strategically, aimed at improving access to productive fishing grounds across the country, reported local news sites. According to the Ministry, the initiative reflects a continuing commitment to modernizing the fishing sector and to the well-being of coastal communities who rely on pole-and-line operations.

The newly added FADs would strengthen the existing network of devices: 65 units for pole-and-line tuna fishing, and 36 for sports and reef fishing. More devices would be deployed in other parts of the archipelago by the end of this year.