The incumbent government has installed more Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) than its predecessors, according to Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, highlighting a renewed push to expand the fisheries industry.
The Maldives primarily deploys two main types of FADs, 'Dhoshi Kandhufathi' units used for pole-and-line fishing, calibrated for tuna and deep-sea operations, and 'Vadhu Kandhufathi' units designed for sports and reef fishing, which support reef-based and recreational activity.
Speaking to PSM News on the sidelines of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent visit to Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Minister Shiyam emphasised the administration's strong focus supporting the country's ever-growing fishing communities and addressing longstanding challenges while investing in the sector's growth.
Minister Shiyam revealed multiple requests from Haa Dhaalu Atoll for reef fishing units adding that the government is in the process of deploying eight units in the south of the country.
In addition the government has identified the locations for the development of sports fishing and efforts are underway to deploy sports fishing FADs in these regions, he said.
The Minister stressed that the government has invested in research to improve the technology and placement of these devices.
"Compared to other governments, this government has already deployed a large number of FADs. We will deploy even more FADs this year than last year. We also have an established network for the deployed FADs to monitor and reinstall any breakdowns,” he explained.
Since the start of the current administration, 22 new FADs have been deployed nationwide. Alongside this expansion, the government is advancing plans to establish dedicated FAD centres in two regions. The ministry has confirmed that groundwork for the centre in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, is scheduled to commence before December 2025.