A recent study reveals that abandoned fish aggregating devices (FADs) used in tuna fishing are causing harm to coral reefs and wildlife, including endangered species, even within marine protected areas. Despite fishing bans in these areas, drifting FADs have intruded into over half of the world’s marine protected zones.
FADs are floating rafts employed to capture smaller tropical tuna, particularly skipjack, commonly found in canned tuna. These rafts, resembling boardroom tables, are constructed with wood or bamboo along with plastic components. In the past, mesh nets were suspended beneath FADs to attract fish, but due to their entanglement of marine life, this practice was globally prohibited in 2025, with ropes being used as replacements thereafter.
The presence of FADs draws small fish seeking shelter, leading to the aggregation of predator species like tuna, which facilitates their capture by fishing vessels. Equipped with a plastic GPS buoy and fish detector, FADs enable fishing boats to return and efficiently harvest the gathered fish using purse seine nets.
Approximately 100,000 FADs are released into the ocean annually, with around 90% eventually lost, posing environmental concerns. These drifting FADs, although typically operational for a year, can persist in oceanic currents for up to five years, causing potential ecological disruptions.
When FADs drift into marine protected areas, they can inflict damage on coral reefs and wildlife, including entanglement of sharks and turtles in netting. The study documented over 6,000 FAD strandings in 174 protected zones, with reports of FADs damaging corals and hindering nesting sea turtles.
Efforts to mitigate FAD impacts include sustainability certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council, which incentivize fishing companies to adopt eco-friendly practices. The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation has developed a biodegradable “jelly FAD” to reduce environmental harm. Recommendations to lessen FAD impact entail restricting FAD deployment, avoiding release in high-risk areas, and promoting old FAD retrieval.
Research findings and industry initiatives aim to enhance FAD management and reduce environmental repercussions, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in driving sustainable fishing practices.
