ISSF collaborates with FIA to convene workshop on Biodegradable and Non-entangling FADs

A workshop on biodegradable and non-entangling FADs was convened by ISSF, in collaboration with the PNG FIA, in the beautiful city of General Santos from 26 to 27 June 2019. The workshop was attended by the fishing vessel owners/operators/skippers, fish traders, the National Fisheries Authority and Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources. A total of 30 participants attended the workshop.

The one-and-a-half-day workshop brought together scientists, fishing technology experts, fishers and regulators who were able to share and exchange knowledge on FAD fishing, the type of FAD structures used and FAD designs. This exchange provided an alternative source of information to better understand the scale of non-tangling and bio-degradable FADs implementation and the impacts of FAD structure on the ecosystem and solutions going forward.

The participants, especially the fishers attending the workshop were able to recognize and appreciate the short- and long-term importance of maintaining tuna stocks at healthy levels. Everyone was encouraged and committed to help reduce fishing’s environmental impacts — including by learning release techniques for sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other marine species of conservation concern.