Fisheries Ministry Expands FAD Network Across the Maldives

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced the installation of 22 new Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) under the current administration. The move is part of a wider effort to strengthen access to key fishing zones across the Maldives.

According to the ministry, 12 devices were placed last year, with another 10 installed so far in 2025. This brings the country’s total FAD count to 101. Officials say the project is part of an ongoing plan to modernise the fishing sector, which plays a vital role in the national economy and in the daily lives of coastal communities.

The devices are grouped into two types. There are now 65 'Dhoshi Kandhufathi' units used mainly for pole-and-line fishing targeting species like skipjack tuna. The remaining 36 are 'Vadhu Kandhufathi' units, which support sports and reef fishing activities.
Despite these advances, the ministry has highlighted a key challenge—there is currently only one installation centre, located in Hulhumalé. This has slowed deployment in some areas. To solve this, the ministry is setting up two more centres, one in the north and one in the south. Work on a new facility in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, is expected to begin later this year.

The continued investment in FADs and supporting infrastructure is seen as an important step toward boosting sustainable fishing and supporting communities that rely heavily on marine resources.