Your tuna sandwich may have a connection to fish aggregating devices (FADs), floating rafts aiding in tuna fishing. Recent Canadian research highlights the problem of abandoned FADs colliding with coral reefs and posing threats to marine life within protected areas. Despite fishing bans in these zones, over half have been infiltrated by drifting FADs, as per a new study published in Science Advances.
Drifting FADs, crucial for catching smaller tropical tuna like skipjack for canning, are typically constructed from wood or bamboo with plastic components. These rafts, roughly the size of a boardroom table, lure fish using ropes underneath instead of mesh nets, which were globally banned in 2025 due to wildlife entanglement concerns.
When FADs drift into marine protected areas, they can cause significant damage by stranding on beaches and coral reefs, leading to plastic pollution. The study detailed over 6,000 instances of FADs stranding in 174 protected zones, impacting coral reefs and endangering species like sharks and turtles through net entanglement.
Efforts to address the environmental impact of FADs include promoting sustainable fishing practices, such as reducing netting and transitioning to biodegradable materials. Initiatives like the Marine Stewardship Council’s certification have incentivized fishing companies to adopt eco-friendly measures. Additionally, the development of biodegradable “jelly FADs” aims to lessen the environmental footprint of these devices.
Recommendations to mitigate FAD-related issues include limiting FAD deployment, ensuring responsible disposal, and encouraging cleanup efforts by fishing companies. Collaborative efforts between fisheries, environmental organizations, and researchers are crucial in finding sustainable solutions to reduce the negative impact of FADs on marine ecosystems.