3.5 Transactions with Vessels that Use Only Non-entangling FADs

Scientific studies have shown that FADs, when constructed with materials such as loose old netting, can entangle vulnerable species such as sharks. While some RFMOs have adopted a transition from traditional FADs to non-entangling FADs, others have not. ISSF is committed to support a transition to non-entangling FADs, globally.

1. Processors, traders, importers, transporters, marketers and others involved in the seafood industry shall conduct transactions only with those purse seine vessels whose owners have a public policy regarding the use of only non-entangling FADs. The policy should refer to the ISSF Guide for Non-Entangling FADs and shall apply to all new FAD deployments, regardless of the type of vessel that deploys the FADs.
2. For the purposes of this measure, a policy is “public” if it is published on the company’s website or is otherwise available to the general public.
3. For purposes of this measure, non-entangling FADs should meet the minimum specifications in the ISSF Guide for Non-Entangling FADs.  Vessel owners shall not deploy FADs that meet the description of “highest entanglement” contained in the ISSF Guide.