Fisheries Ministry to Deploy Specialized FADs to Boost Youth Sports Fishing

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources will deploy two additional specialized Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) next week, specifically designed to support the growing sports fishing sector in the Maldives. These devices, known as ‘Vadhu Kandufathi,’ are tailored for sports and reef fishing and have seen a surge in popularity among youth groups across the archipelago. Unlike the ‘Dhoshi Kandufathi’ used primarily for commercial pole-and-line tuna fishing, the sports fishing variants are designed for recreational use and have become the more widely requested option by island councils. The upcoming deployment is part of a broader expansion. In addition to the two ‘Vadhu Kandufathi’ units, three other devices are scheduled for installation next week. The new FADs will be positioned in Fihladhoo and Dhidhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, and Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll. Notably, sports fishing FADs will be introduced for the first time in Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll and Lhohi in Noonu Atoll. To date, 15 FADs have been deployed nationwide this year. The Ministry reports that over 90 devices have been installed during the current administration, marking the highest number of deployments by any government to date. However, officials acknowledged the ongoing challenge of maintaining these units, as damaged FADs can drift and disrupt local fishing activities, making repair and maintenance a top priority. To sustain this growth, the government is addressing infrastructure gaps in production. Currently, FAD construction is centralized at a single facility in Hulhumalé. To decentralize the process and increase efficiency, the Ministry is working to establish two additional construction centers in the northern and southern regions of the country, ensuring faster deployment and easier maintenance for remote atolls.