Fish Aggregating Devices Transform Tuna Fishing in Minicoy, Lakshadweep

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, through the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute Regional Station in Minicoy, has successfully deployed anchored Fish Aggregating Devices off the coast of Lakshadweep. Carried out in close collaboration with the Maliku Masveringe Jamaat, the local fishermen society, the initiative aims to enhance catch efficiency for artisanal fishers. The deployment represents a major scientific intervention tailored to the southernmost island of the Union Territory.

Anchored several nautical miles offshore, the floating structures mimic natural oceanic debris to establish stable pelagic micro-habitats in the open sea. Marine life naturally congregates beneath and around the moored apparatus, drawing top pelagic predators into defined offshore locations. The devices have proven especially effective in aggregating high-value commercial stocks, particularly skipjack tuna and yellowfin tuna.

Minicoy Island possesses a long-standing maritime heritage as the pioneer of commercial tuna fishing across the Indian subcontinent. For generations, local fishers have practiced the eco-friendly live-bait pole-and-line fishing technique, navigating indigenous and mechanized craft across deep waters. The fishery serves as the backbone of the island's agrarian economy, sustaining families through direct harvest and secondary fish trade.

Despite their deep seafaring expertise, local boat crews have faced escalating challenges in tracking pelagic schools in recent years. Unpredictable oceanic conditions and shifting water temperatures have forced boats to scout expansive stretches of the open sea blindly. These extended search trips often lasted for many grueling hours under harsh tropical conditions, leading to physical fatigue and inconsistent catches.

The prolonged search times also exerted heavy financial pressure on fishing households across Minicoy. Elevated diesel consumption drove up operational voyage expenses, frequently eroding profit margins when schools proved elusive. Furthermore, rough sea conditions during volatile monsoon months made open-ocean scouting perilous, exacerbating the economic vulnerabilities of local tribal fishers.

The introduction of anchored FADs offers a direct technological solution by giving fishing crews predetermined, highly reliable oceanic destinations. By concentrating migratory fish in predictable zones, the devices eliminate extensive exploratory travel and substantially decrease fuel expenditure. Crews can plan shorter, more targeted sea outings, optimizing both time at sea and boat operational budgets.

Crucially, the deployment complements rather than disrupts the region's traditional artisanal identity. Fishers continue utilizing selective pole-and-line techniques around the floating aggregations, avoiding the indiscriminate bycatch associated with commercial industrial gear. The reliable tuna supply also provides consistent raw material for the local processing sector, notably the production of Masmin, the island's traditional smoke-dried tuna delicacy.

Agricultural and fisheries experts highlight that anchored artisanal FADs offer a sustainable model for small-island development. Unlike industrial drifting devices used by large distant-water fleets, community-managed anchored structures remain tethered and accessible to small-scale fishers. This localized setup strengthens community stewardship and safeguards household earnings without compromising vulnerable marine habitats.

Moving forward, ICAR-CIARI researchers and the Maliku Masveringe Jamaat plan to monitor daily catch compositions and seasonal aggregation trends around the moored sites. Continued collaboration between scientists and community leaders will focus on tracking biological dynamics and fine-tuning fishing schedules. By combining modern fisheries science with traditional maritime knowledge, the initiative aims to secure long-term ecological balance and economic stability for Minicoy.