Surface habitat modification through industrial tuna fishery practices

Abstract Natural floating objects (FOBs) have always been a major component of the habitat pelagic species. Since 1990s, number FOBs in open ocean has increased greatly as result introduction fish aggregating devices (FADs) by industrial tropical tuna purse seine vessels. These changes, and their potential impacts on species that associate with FOBs, remain poorly understood. Using fisheries observer data, data from satellite-linked tracking buoys attached to Lagrangian simulations, this study quantifies temporal changes density spatial distribution due use FADs Indian Ocean (IO) between 2006 2018. From 2012 2018, entire western IO is impacted, representing more than 85% overall natural less 10%, originating pollution 5%. Results also suggest both densities are lower eastern IO, but initial investigation highlights need for further studies. Our confirms modified which investigate consequences ecology associated