An Overview of Fish Aggregating Devices and Their Uses in the Fishing Industry
D. Arun Jenish*
Dept. of Fishing Technology and Fisheries Engineering, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India
R. Velmurugan
Dept. of Fishing Technology and Fisheries Engineering, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri, Tamil Nadu (601 204), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: ARFADs, Artificial Reefs, Drifting, Fishing Efforts
Abstract
Fish aggregating devices, more commonly called FADs, are anchored or drifting objects that are placed in the ocean to attract fish. Drifting FADs are not tethered to the bottom and Moored FADs occupy a fixed location. The most suitable distance between each FAD depends on the abundance and type of species targeted; ranging between several hundred and one thousand meters for pelagic fish in coastal waters; or 5 to 10 nautical miles for deep-water tuna FADs. Fishes are mostly attracted to artificial reef and FADs to avoid predation and will look for hiding places such as FADs and artificial reefs. Hand lines, squid jigging and trolling were recommended to be used around FADs, since they are selective fishing gears. FADs will also cause ghost fishing. Fishes from FADs consists mainly groupers, red snappers, sweet lips, Indian mackerel, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, yellow snapper, nemipterids, trevally, trigger fish, dolphin fish and sharks.
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Reference
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