Eco-FADs

Designed to attract fish, drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs)— used in purse seine tuna fisheries – are usually made from durable plastic materials. These materials can accumulate in sensitive areas like coral reefs once dFADs are lost or abandoned. SEARCULAR is trialling a new concept of dFAD, an eco ‘jellyFAD’, using biodegradable materials as an alternative to traditional devices. These Eco FADs have a shorter life, help to reduce plastic waste and foster healthy habitats.

The problem

Traditional drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) often used in tropical tuna purse seine fisheries are made of durable plastics. These materials can remain present in the marine environment for long periods of time and can end up lost at sea posing a risk to marine species and contributing to marine plastic pollution. In particular, dFADs pose a threat to critical marine habitats and reefs which are home and nursery grounds for many species of fish and marine megafauna.

The solution

To reduce the impact of lost and abandoned dFADs on the marine environment and the species which call it home, SEARCULAR is trialling a new ‘Eco-FAD’ manufactured from biodegradable, natural and toxin free materials. These eco-designed JellyFADs will avoid accumulation of durable and long-lasting plastics in sensitive areas where they pose a risk. At the same time this solution will help improve the sustainability of tropical purse seine tuna fisheries.