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Tooltip Tags: Non-entangling FADs

Non-entangling FADs [NEFADs]

Non‑entangling fish aggregating devices (NEFADs)

Fish aggregating devices that are constructed with no netting material, to minimize ghost fishing (entanglement of fauna, primarily sharks and turtles). For a FAD to be completely non‑entangling, it must use no netting materials either in the surface structure (raft) or the submerged structure. NEFADs using netting but built to minimize entanglement, such as using netting tied in bundles or using small size netting (< 7 cm stretched mesh), are called “lower entanglement risk FADs” (LERFADs). 

Non-Entangling & Biodegradable FADs Guide

Biodegradable FADs [Bio-FADs]

Biodegradable fish aggregating devices

Fish aggregating devices constructed with natural or biodegradable materials that reduce the impact of beaching and debris. The term biodegradable is applied to a material or substance that is subject to a chemical process during which microorganisms that are available in the environment convert materials into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide, and decompose organic matter and that are non-toxic for the marine environment. The time required for biodegradation of different materials varies. Some fishers believe that a FAD should last up to one year before degrading.

Biodegradable FADs