The Jelly-FAD: A paradigm shift in the design of biodegradable Fish Aggregating Devices

Fishers and scientists in the tropical Pacific, Atlantic Indian Oceans are jointly designing biodegradable fish aggregating devices (bio-FADs) that efficient for fishing. The tactic followed by most fishers to construct bio-FADs is maintain same conventional drifting FAD (dFAD) design (i.e., large, submerged net panels hanging from a floating raft) but replacing plastic ropes netting with organic canvases. Results these experiences show lifetime of made designs notably shorter than what require, thus precluding their adoption. short lifespan due inefficient dFADs, which results major structural stress. Thus, successfully replace materials increase bio-FADs, paradigm shift needed. Bio-FAD structures should be re-designed minimize stress water. present study summarizes we have learned testing three oceans, it proposes new concept dFAD design, jelly-FAD. Mirroring jellyfish, this will aim quasi-neutral buoyancy, reduce (i) at sea (ii) need additional flotation. jelly-FAD not necessarily fixed design; more change construction. Preliminary jelly-FADs aggregate tuna as well FADs do, lifespans greater 6 months sea. In addition, showed average speeds similar dFAD. To accelerate adoption worldwide, recommendations construction tests provided.