The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced the installation of a new "Dhoshi Kandhufathi" Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) for the benefit of fishermen operating near Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi.

The newly installed FAD has been positioned 15.5 nautical miles southeast of Kulhudhuffushi City. The vessel, identified by the code C09D02, replaces an earlier FAD installed in 2019 at the same location.

According to the Ministry, this initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at enhancing fishing opportunities through the installation and maintenance of FADs across various regions of the country. Alongside deploying new devices, the Ministry is also actively engaged in the repair and restoration of damaged units.

FADs function by attracting fish through the creation of artificial shade, which encourages marine species to gather near the floating structure. This method mimics natural conditions in the open sea and significantly increases fishing productivity in the vicinity of the devices.

Two primary types of FADs are currently in use in the Maldives. The "Dhoshi Kandhufathi" devices which are designed for skipjack tuna fishing using pole-and-line techniques, whereas the "Vadhu Kandufathi" devices, which are tailored for the specific requirements of sports fishing. Across the country, 65 devices are allocated for traditional tuna fishing, while 26 are set aside for sports fishing.

To facilitate identification and ensure safety, sport fishing FADs are painted yellow and typically placed between three and six nautical miles from inhabited islands. This positioning distinguishes them from pole-and-line FADs, which serve different purposes and are deployed using alternative methods.

The production and installation of these devices are currently centralised in Hulhumalé, where dedicated facilities are equipped to meet increasing national demand. In recognition of the growing need for such infrastructure, the Ministry has revealed plans to expand operations by establishing additional production centres in both northern and southern regions. Proposed locations include Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll and Addu Atoll.