The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has significantly expanded the nation's fishing infrastructure over the past two years, deploying a remarkable 76 new Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) across Maldivian waters.
This strategic initiative, aimed at bolstering both commercial and recreational fishing, includes 39 sport fishing FADs and 37 FADs specifically for pole-and-line fisheries.
The expansion comes in response to growing demand, particularly from island councils and youth groups, for 'Vadhu Kandhufathi' units designed for sports and reef fishing. These FADs facilitate reef-based and recreational angling activities.
Concurrently, the Ministry has also laid 37 'Dhoshi Kandhufathi' units, which are calibrated for deep-sea tuna operations using the traditional pole-and-line method, a cornerstone of the Maldivian fishing industry.
According to the Ministry, the deployment of these FADs is a crucial component of the government's broader strategy to develop the fishing industry.
Recognising the importance of maintaining an efficient FAD network, the government is also preparing to establish dedicated FADs centres in the northern and southern regions of the country. These centers will play a vital role in expediting the repair and rebuilding of damaged units, ensuring minimal disruption to fishing activities.
The Ministry anticipates commencing the construction of these crucial regional centres before December, further solidifying the nation's commitment to a thriving and sustainable fisheries sector.