The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has announced plans to deploy two additional Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) next week to support sports fishing.
The move comes in response to growing demand for ‘Vadhu Kandufathi’, a type of FAD designed for sports and reef fishing, which has gained popularity among youth groups.
The Maldives currently uses two types of FADs. While ‘Vadhu Kandufathi’ is primarily used for sports fishing, ‘Dhoshi Kandhufathi’ is used in pole-and-line fishing targeting tuna and other deep-sea species. The Ministry noted that the sports fishing FAD is the more widely used option.
Officials said island councils and youth groups have been actively requesting the installation of FADs, with the Ministry working to expand deployment under established guidelines to maximise benefits.
So far this year, 15 FADs have been deployed nationwide. In addition to the two ‘Vadhu Kandufathi’ units, three more devices are scheduled to be installed next week.
New FADs will be established in Fihladhoo and Dhidhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, and Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll. Sports fishing FADs will also be introduced for the first time in Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll and Lhohi in Noonu Atoll.
The Ministry stated that more than 90 FADs have been deployed during the current administration, the highest number introduced by any government to date. Officials also highlighted challenges posed by damaged units, which can drift and disrupt fishing activities. Repair and maintenance of FADs have therefore been prioritised.
At present, only one facility in Hulhumalé is dedicated to constructing FADs. To address this limitation, the Ministry is working to establish two additional centres in the northern and southern regions of the country.