¿Can fish aggregating devices or FADs harm the ecosystem?
Keywords:
FAD, biodegradable, ghost fishing, dFAD, ecosystem, fishAbstract
The ocean has been a place teeming with life and beneath its surface, we find thousands of fish that have been a sustainable source of food. Technology advanced and fish aggregating devices (FADs) were created. The IATTC defines FADs as “planted” to differentiate them from natural structures. Two types are used in the fishing industry: anchored FADs and drifting FADs (dFADs). They have increased fishing efficiency, allowing vessels to fish in remote areas and reduce unsuccessful trips, but as they are petroleum-based products such as plastics, PVC and nylon nets. These materials degrade very slowly, contributing to marine pollution. The IATTC together with other organizations created measures to mitigate these impacts by limiting the number of FADs per vessel as well as the application of fisheries management measures to avoid overfishing, as established in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. And research into the use of biodegradable materials for the construction of dFADs to reduce the percentage of marine debris that accumulates year after year.
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