Biodegradable drifting fish aggregating devices: Current status and future prospects

Article Environmental Studies

Lessons learnt from the first large-scale biodegradable FAD research experiment to mitigate drifting FADs impacts on the ecosystem

Hilario Murua et al.

Summary: Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) made of synthetic and non-biodegradable materials contribute to marine litter and ecosystem impacts. A large-scale trial in the Indian Ocean tested and developed the use of non-entangling biodegradable dFADs, which significantly reduce plastic waste and minimize entanglement risks. The fishing performance of biodegradable dFADs was similar to conventional dFADs, highlighting their efficacy and potential for future designs.

MARINE POLICY (2023)

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Article Environmental Studies

The Jelly-FAD: A paradigm shift in the design of biodegradable Fish Aggregating Devices

Gala Moreno et al.

Summary: Fishers and scientists are collaborating to design biodegradable fish aggregating devices (bio-FADs) for efficient fishing in the tropical Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The conventional drifting FAD (dFAD) design, using organic ropes and canvases instead of plastic, has a shorter lifespan due to structural stress. To overcome this, a paradigm shift is proposed to minimize stress by redesigning bio-FAD structures, such as the jelly-FAD, which mimics the buoyancy of jellyfish. Preliminary results show that the jelly-FAD aggregates tuna and has a lifespan of over 6 months at sea, with similar drifting speeds to conventional dFADs.

MARINE POLICY (2023)

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Article Fisheries

Spatio-temporal variability in drifting Fish Aggregating Device (dFAD) beaching events in the Seychelles Archipelago

Isla MacMillan et al.

Summary: This study assessed beaching events of drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) in the Seychelles Archipelago using trajectory data from French purse seiners. The results revealed that beachings occurred most frequently during the winter monsoon and in shallow waters nearshore and offshore. The benthic habitat Coral/Algae had the highest beaching rate, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The findings contribute to the development of mitigation and prevention methods for reducing marine debris and environmental disturbances.

ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE (2022)

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Article Biodiversity Conservation

Spatial management can significantly reduce dFAD beachings in Indian and Atlantic Ocean tropical tuna purse seine fisheries

Taha Imzilen et al.

Summary: The study analyzed dFAD trajectories in the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, finding that prohibiting deployments in specific areas can significantly reduce dFAD beaching events. The riskiest areas for beaching are not necessarily where dFAD deployment is highest, suggesting closures could have minimal impact on fisheries.

BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Highest risk abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear

Eric Gilman et al.

Summary: Derelict abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear have significant adverse effects on the environment and socio-economic aspects. Focus should be on reducing risks from gillnets, tuna purse seine with fish aggregating devices, and bottom trawls globally, while locally implementing control measures and effective monitoring and enforcement systems. Prioritizing primary and synthesis research is crucial for improving risk assessments and managing derelict gear effectively.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS (2021)

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Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

An inshore-offshore sorting system revealed from global classification of ocean litter

Carmen Morales-Caselles et al.

Summary: Global marine litter is dominated by plastic items from take-out food and fishing activities, with litter mainly trapped in nearshore areas and land-sourced plastic reaching the open ocean predominantly as small fragments.

NATURE SUSTAINABILITY (2021)

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Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary