Since ISSF’s founding, fish
aggregating devices (FADs) have been a major research topic. FAD fishing catches about 40% of
tuna worldwide, and certain FAD structures can trap sharks and other marine animals, impacting bycatch
rates in tuna fisheries, and pollute the ocean when they are lost or discarded. To help make
FAD fishing more sustainable, ISSF examines and addresses the issue from scientific, RFMO
policymaking, and industry perspectives.
100+ ISSF PUBLICATIONS
and 8 RFMO meeting side events on FAD research
KNOWLEDGE SHARING
Biodegradable FAD (bFAD) DESIGN
WORKSHOP for fishers and marine scientists, and related at-sea projects
ongoing in 3 oceans
ADVOCACY
Multi-stakeholder advocacy
from broad coalition of NGOs, retailers, vessels, and processing companies, including
nearly 1,000 LETTERS to RFMO delegates from ISSF
participating companies
OUTCOMES
All RFMOs require NON-ENTANGLING
FADS and encourage use of biodegradable FAD materials
3There are three ISSF
Conservation Measures regarding FADs, including requirements for non-entangling
FADs and skippers workshop participation.
2018–2022
Strategic Goals
RFMOs comprehensively manage FADs
Findings from bFAD pilot projects and reports incorporated in RFMO FAD design and
management
As sustainable fishing approaches, like using non-entangling FADs, become more familiar, fishers in
ISSF
skippers
workshops express a growing acceptance of them over time.