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Biodegradable drifting fish aggregating devices: Current status and future prospects
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Researchers assessed the neurotoxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis, finding altered locomotor activity, disrupted chemosensory behavior, and changes in serotonin and dopamine signaling after waterborne exposure. The results suggest that microplastics can interfere with neurochemical pathways in freshwater invertebrates at environmentally realistic concentrations.
The structure, materials and designs of drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) have generally remained rudimentary and relatively unchanged since they first came into use in the 1980 s. However, more recently, dFADs have been increasing in dimensions and the prevailing use of plastic components. Abandoned, lost or discarded dFADs can therefore contribute to the global marine litter problem. Transitioning to biodegradable and non-toxic materials that have a faster rate of decomposition, and are free of toxins and heavy metals, relative to synthetic materials, has been prescribed as an important part of the solution to reducing marine pollution from industrial tuna fisheries that rely on dFADs. This review of the current state of dFADs considers aspects related to the use of biodegradable materials in their construction, including; regulations related to dFAD materials, trials of biodegradable designs and materials and future alternatives. During the last decade, regulatory measures at tuna Regional Fishery Management Organizations (tRFMOs) have gradually moved towards the clear recommendation to use biodegradable materials in dFAD construction together with other measures limiting the number of active dFADs and the use of netting materials. However, to provide operational guidance, more clarity is needed, starting with a standardised definition of biodegradable dFADs among tRFMOs. Research involving dFAD natural and synthetic materials is required, along with improved data collection for monitoring the transition of dFAD materials against specified standards for biodegradable dFADs. In addition, alternative and complementary actions need to be explored to contribute to minimising adverse effects of dFADs on the environment. Acknowledging the current difficulties for the implementation of fully biodegradable dFADs in tuna fisheries, a stepwise process towards the implementation of commercially viable biodegradable dFADs should be considered.
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Drifting fish aggregating devices in the Indian ocean impacts, management, and policy implications
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Researchers assessed 63 drifting fish aggregating devices (floating structures used to attract tuna for easier fishing) recovered along Somali coastlines and found that none complied with international fishing regulations, highlighting widespread illegal and unregulated fishing practices in the Indian Ocean. Abandoned and non-compliant FADs contribute to ocean debris and ghost fishing, adding to marine plastic pollution.
Global impacts of drifting fish aggregating devices on marine protected areas
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Tuna fishing boats release thousands of floating devices (called dFADs) to attract fish, but these often drift into ocean protected areas where they can entangle wildlife, damage habitats, and leave plastic debris behind. This study found that over half of the world's marine protected areas have likely been affected by these devices, putting nearly 500 vulnerable species at risk — and as this plastic breaks down in the ocean, it can contribute to the microplastic pollution that's increasingly found in seafood we eat. The findings point to a need for stricter rules and more transparency from the fishing industry to protect these critical marine ecosystems
Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices in the Indian Ocean: Impacts, Management, and Policy Implications
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Researchers examined the prevalence and governance implications of abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) along the Somali coast in the Indian Ocean. Over six months, 63 dFADs were recovered along a sample coastline — none fully compliant with Indian Ocean Tuna Commission regulations — with projections estimating approximately 1,439 dFADs wash ashore annually across the entire Somali shelf.
Simulating drifting fish aggregating device trajectories to identify potential interactions with endangered sea turtles
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This study used Lagrangian drift simulations to estimate connectivity between drifting fish aggregating device (dFAD) deployment areas and critical sea turtle habitats in the Pacific Ocean, finding that up to 60% of dFADs from equatorial deployment areas ultimately reach essential leatherback and hawksbill turtle habitats. The results identify specific Pacific regions at highest risk from dFAD interactions with endangered sea turtles and suggest that non-entangling, biodegradable dFAD designs could substantially reduce this threat.
Dispersal and Beaching Patterns of Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs) as Marine Litter in the Northern of Gulf of Guinea
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Analysis of GPS tracking data from fish aggregating devices deployed in the Gulf of Guinea between 2008 and 2014 found the highest beaching rates in the northeastern gulf, driven by Guinea Current retroflection. The study identifies high-risk overlap zones between beached FADs and key fish spawning habitats, highlighting the ecological threat of this form of marine debris.
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