Recent research from Canada reveals that abandoned fish aggregating devices (FADs) used in tuna fishing are causing harm to coral reefs and wildlife, even within marine protected areas. These drifting rafts, commonly employed to catch small tropical tuna like skipjack, have infiltrated over 1,500 marine protected zones globally, breaching fishing bans in those areas.
Constructed mainly from wood, bamboo, and plastic components, FADs attract fish by hanging nets or ropes beneath them. However, due to the entanglement of wildlife, mesh nets were outlawed on FADs worldwide in 2025, replaced by ropes only. Equipped with a plastic GPS buoy and fish detector, FADs draw in small fish seeking shelter, creating a gathering point for predators like tuna that can be easily caught by fishing vessels using purse seine nets.
Approximately 100,000 FADs are deployed annually, with around 90% eventually lost at sea, posing environmental hazards. These drifting devices, in use for about a year, can continue drifting for up to five years, often stranding on beaches or coral reefs. The accumulation of these FADs in specific regions, such as French Polynesia and the Maldives, contributes to plastic pollution, impacting local wildlife like nesting sea turtles.
Efforts to address the adverse effects of FADs include sustainability certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council, encouraging fishing companies to adopt eco-friendly practices. The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation has introduced a biodegradable “jelly FAD,” made from bamboo and cotton, to reduce environmental impact. Strategies such as limiting FAD deployment, avoiding release in high-risk areas, and promoting retrieval of old devices at the fishing industry’s expense are recommended to mitigate the environmental impact of FADs.
Collaborative actions among stakeholders, informed by ongoing research, are crucial for improving FAD fishing practices and safeguarding marine ecosystems. Increased public awareness and industry accountability are essential in driving positive change and ensuring sustainable tuna fishing practices.