New Fish Aggregating Device Introduced for Sports Fishing in Shaviyani Atoll
New Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) dedicated to sports fishing in Shaviyani Atoll | Photo: Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has introduced a new Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) dedicated to sports fishing in Shaviyani Atoll.
Located at four nautical miles southeast of Nalandhoo, this initiative highlights the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve fishing infrastructure and support the rapidly expanding sports fishing sector.
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ވަދު ކަނދުފަތި ނަންބަރު: D09V02
12 އެޕްރީލް 2025 ވަނަ ދުވަހު ށ.ނަލަންދޫ ވަދު ކަނދުފަތި، ނަލަންދޫ އިރު ދެކުނުން 4 މޭލު ބޭރުގައި ޤާއިމްކޮށްފި. pic.twitter.com/LgzFnbKcgQ— Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (@MFORmv) April 13, 2025
Designed specifically for sports fishing, the new FAD addresses the increasing demand for specialised equipment. Its installation follows discussions held earlier this year with the Feydhoo Island Council of Shaviyani Atoll, which emphasised the importance of expanding sports fishing infrastructure in the region.
This deployment is part of a broader national initiative, with similar devices being strategically placed across the country to enhance fishing opportunities. Another recent addition to this network is a FAD positioned five nautical miles southwest of Dhigelaabadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Each FAD is assigned a unique identification number to ensure effective management.
The programme includes two distinct categories of FADs. ‘Dhoshi Kandhufathi’ devices are designed for skipjack tuna fishing using pole-and-line methods, while ‘Vadhu Kandufathi’ devices, such as the one in Shaviyani Atoll, are tailored to the needs of sports fishing enthusiasts. Currently, there are 65 devices dedicated to traditional tuna fishing and 26 for sports fishing across the country.
Sports fishing-specific FADs attract marine life by providing artificial shade through floating structures, thus enhancing local fishing opportunities. To aid in identification, these devices are painted yellow and positioned three to six nautical miles offshore from inhabited islands, distinguishing them from pole-and-line FADs.
