The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced the installation of a new Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) near Kaafu Gaafaru, marking the first time in several years that a FAD has been deployed for the island. 

The newly installed FAD, numbered G10D01, has been placed 13.5 miles east of Gaafaru. It replaces a previous FAD that was established in 2020 but later damaged. That earlier device had been located 17 miles offshore.

With this addition, the total number of operational FADs for pole-and-line fishing in Kaafu Atoll has now risen to four. The other three are positioned 13 miles outside Dhiffushi, 12.6 miles from Maafushi, and 17 miles from Huraa.

In addition to supporting traditional fisheries, Kaafu Atoll also hosts three FADs designated for sports fishing. These are located 4.5 miles east of Gaafaru, 4.5 miles north of Kaashidhoo, and 5 miles east of Hulhumalé.

The Ministry of Fisheries is actively working to expand the FAD network across the country to support both commercial pole-and-line fishing and recreational sports fishing. Additionally, the Ministry confirmed that work is underway to establish a second FAD centre in the Maldives, which will be located in Shaviyani Funadhoo, to further improve fishing access and support local communities.