Removal of entangled fish aggregating devices in Aldabra intensifies |13 April 2026

Collecting washed-up FADs helps to keep marine environment clean and support (Photo: SIF)

Washed ashore or drifting at sea, fish aggregating devices are a concern in Seychelles’ outer islands. These structures are used in tuna fisheries to attract fish by creating floating habitats.  These structures are from materials such as bamboo, netting and metal frames.

Fish aggregating devices (FADs)are permanent, semi-permanent or temporary structures.

Drifting FADs are attached to a global positioning system (GPS) beacon so the device remains traceable by the fishing vessel that deployed it. Fish aggregate under FADs as smaller species seek shelter beneath the structure, in turn attracting larger predatory fish.

FADs are widely used in the tuna fishery due to their efficiency; however, they also have several negative impacts, including bycatch of non-target species, overfishing, entanglement in shallow habitats and washing up along coastlines.

As observed across many outer islands of Seychelles, washed-up and entangled FADs are frequently encountered at Aldabra. Whenever possible, staff collect these devices and bring them back to the research station for disposal.

Between December and February, the team recovered four FADs, two from the outer reef and two from shallow lagoon areas. While some removals are straightforward, others require the coordinated effort of several snorkelers or divers to cut ropes and lift the heavy structures out of the water.

FADs can cause physical damage to coral reefs when they become entangled, with waves and currents dragging netting and ropes across coral colonies, resulting in breakage. In addition, these materials can continue to trap marine life long after being lost, affecting species such as turtles, sharks and reef fish. Although a variety of marine organisms may use Fads as temporary habitat, their eventual removal can also impact the species that have taken refuge within them.

The Seychelles Islands Foundation remains committed to the continued removal of FADs from Aldabra’s waters and coastline, despite the additional resources and effort required. The Seychelles Fishing Authority also conducts biannual missions to the outer islands to collect washed-up FADs, contributing to help keep the marine environment clean and support conservation initiatives.

Seychelles Islands Foundation