Featured Research
Jelly-FADs: Science Leads the Way on Improved FAD Design
ISSF is working to discover and advocate for best practices for an urgent change in fishing gear: the biodegradable fish aggregating device, or bio-FAD. As ISSF Senior Scientist Gala Moreno writes, some of our most exciting work centers on “jelly-FADs”—bio-FADs designed in collaboration with a team of physical oceanographers.
Jelly-FADs are made of organic materials and are smaller than traditional models, yet they drift slowly, like jellyfish, so ocean currents are less likely to carry them too far afield. Both of those qualities will reduce their environmental impact if they are lost or abandoned.
Featured Graphic
Biodegradable FAD Timeline
An updated timeline shows ISSF research and other activities in 2009–2021 focused on brainstorming, designing, and testing biodegradable FADs for tuna fishers.
Biodegradable FADs are made with natural materials that can break down over time and are less harmful to the marine environment. In contrast, traditional FADs are made with man-made materials that, when not retrieved after fishing, persist in and pollute the oceans.
Featured Video
Fact Checking on FADs
Our new video examines six frequently discussed ideas on FADs.
ISSF in the News
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