Abstract

Humans have used fish aggregation devices (FADs) for centuries to attract fish in the vast oceans making capture easier. Technological advances in recent decades have made FADs more efficient and their use has expanded to the tens of thousands. Management, however, has been slow to follow the fast developments in construction and deployment, and regional fisheries bodies have just begun to consider FADs as a tool requiring organization and regulation. In the Caribbean, FADs are rapidly being deployed by a variety of stakeholders as guidelines are lacking, which has led to conflict among user groups and questions surrounding the biological sustainability. This study aims to guide the fishery manager, researcher, or community leader in developing a FAD management plan. The current situation of FADs in the Caribbean is presented, and global examples of FAD management are examined in order to determine the steps most necessary for success. The guide ends with several suggested management strategies, and concludes with what is known to be true of FADs in the Caribbean.

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