Design, Construct, Deploy and Monitor a Pelagic Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) in the Southeast Region of the United States

摘要

The project was undertaken to improve existing fish aggregating device (FAD) technology and to enhance pelagic finfish capture by recreational fishermen off southeast Florida. Previous FAD experience by other workers in the Pacific Basin indicated that, although FADS were effective devices to manage wild stocks of fish, they suffered a distinct disadvantage by being short lived. A literature search was performed, data were reduced and analyzed and a computer program developed to assist future workers in FAD component selection, mooring design and configuration. A new design was developed and deployed off Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These FAD installations were monitored for a period of 18 months by diver observations, color fathometer readings and land based user interviews. Catch per unit effort was determined and cost estimates associated with fishing 'on' or 'off' the FADS were developed.