Regional Station (RS), Minicoy of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair has deployed the “First Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) at Minicoy” to aid livelihood security of tribal fisher community of Minicoy Islands on 17th February 2024. The FAD is having Components like nylon rope, bow shackle, thimble, polyester webbing sling, galvanized swivel, FRP buoy & concrete block anchor. FAD is a floating object designed to attract the pelagic tuna species after small succession change in floating and associated attracting devices. It is the technology which increases the productivity of fishes and reduces the fish searching time during the fishing operation.
With the continuous persuasion and effort of the team under the leadership of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair the FAD was anchored at open ocean, of distance, 10.5 nautical miles from the shore (Lat: 8° 26’ 0.7.38” N and long. 73 ° 11’ 0.32 E) along with the Department of Fisheries on 17th February 2024.This fulfill one of the long standing demand of the tribal fisheries of Minicoy ,UT, Lakshadweep which is going to ensure availability of fish , reduce fuel consumption, reduce carbon emission and increase the safety of the fishing vessel.
The team of ICAR-CIARI, RS Minicoy, Dr. Gladston Y, Dr. S.M. Ajina, Scientists & Shri. Shareefuddeen, Technician with the staff of Department of fisheries and the fishermen accompanied to the location during the deployment on the said date.
Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair & Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Principal Scientist & Nodal officer, RS Minicoy, Lakshadweep expressed their happiness on the successful deployment of the FAD technology which is the technological intervention funded by ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair for the benefit of the tribal fishers of Minicoy, Lakshadweep.