In this Web feature, we explain how fish aggregating devices (FADs) are used in tuna fishing — and how they affect marine animals and environments. We also highlight ISSF’s efforts, working with tuna fishers and scientific colleagues, to design and manage biodegradable FADs that have lower marine ecosystem impacts.
Scientists have decoded several tuna species’ unique underwater “acoustic signatures.” In this feature, we illustrate how their findings may help tuna fishers to use acoustic equipment like echosounders to fish more sustainably — targeting more abundant species, avoiding overfished stocks, and reducing bycatch.
Dr, Gala Moreno and Dr. Jefferson Murua, facilitators of ISSF skippers workshops, reflect on the value of fisher-scientist collaboration at a 2018 ISSF biodegradable fish aggregating device (FAD) workshop in Dakar, Senegal. The workshop is part of The Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The video is by Nando Rivero.
In tonnes, tuna and tuna-like species have been one of the largest seafood catches to be transshipped at sea.
Our feature shows how gaps in transshipment requirements and oversight in all oceans create opportunities for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
