Local fishermen in Samoa will be rejoicing with the deployment of 20 new Fish Aggregating Devices funded by a grant of close to $1.5 million tala (US$500,000) from the Forum Fisheries Agency.
The project is one of four major undertaking unveiled this week by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Polataivao Fosi says the deployment of FADs is a huge challenge because it was costly and difficult to maintain as most FADs were lost due to poor designs and at most times destroyed by our own fishers.
“Armed with the blessings from the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the FAD project is now a reality and the management of the coastal fisheries resources is an achievement because it will assist the fishers from going beyond offshore waters,” he said.
He also advised the fishers that these government initiatives are for the benefits of the communities and it should be maintained as long as it takes for sustainable use.
“These three FAD types that will be deploy in are the Indian Ocean design which is at the surface, the submerged FAD which is in the water to avoid vandalism and the near shore submerged FAD which will be closer and reachable to the village communities, “he explained.
United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation has donated 20 tablets for the efficient monitoring of the FADs.
The technological devices will be used by the Fishery Division to monitor and review the contribution and impact of the soon to be deployed FADs on our food security and the livelihoods of our People.
Photo supplied by Government of Samoa (Facebook