Towards the sustainability of small-scale anchored FAD fisheries in Indonesia

Tropical tuna is a significant global commercial commodity, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where Indonesia ranks as the second largest producer. These resources not only support export markets but also contribute to food security in Indonesia. The development of tuna fisheries is closely linked to the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs), which enhance fishing effectiveness and efficiency. However, the use of FADs can also have negative impacts on the environment and resource sustainability. There are two types of FADs: drifting and anchored. Indonesia exclusively employs anchored FADs, which provide a theoretically manageable system due to their known locations. However, information regarding the number and density of Indonesian FADs is still limited. To address this gap, a structured interview approach was used. Indonesia's tuna fishery heavily relies on FADs, predominantly utilized by small-scale fishermen who operate a diverse fleet with various gear types and target species. FADs are privately owned by captains, vessel owners, companies, and fishing associations, complicating management efforts. While the number of FADs deployed by individual Indonesian vessels or groups is fewer than those of other IOTC region vessels, a direct comparison of magnitude is challenging due to the significantly larger number of vessels in the region. Additionally, Indonesian AFADs generally have a longer lifespan, reducing the risk of loss and subsequent marine debris. Interestingly, the number of FADs visited was not correlated with the duration of the fishing trip, indicating that vessels exploit specific FAD arrays and the same fishing areas all along the trip. The minimal awareness of supporting data among fishing stakeholders necessitates the combination of multiple data sources to provide a clearer picture of the information gaps for effective management. Furthermore, both the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Government of Indonesia have issued several regulations regarding FADs, but implementation has been inadequate, underscoring the need for a community-based approach. These findings unveil the key importance of FADs for Indonesian artisanal and semi-industrial fishermen. Despite the complexity of the fishery, the quantitative metrics of FAD exploitation that emerge constitute the building blocks for better evaluating the impacts of FADs and developing management actions aiming at promoting their sustainable use.