The Bureau of Marine Resources (BMR) led by Director Leon E. Remengesau in collaboration with the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) led by Keobel V. Sakuma, are working together to improve existing Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) and increase the number of FAD’s based on each states fishing requirements. A FAD or fish aggregating device or fish aggregation device means any man-made device, or natural floating object, whether anchored or not anchored, that is capable of aggregating fish.
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Palau currently has six existing near-shore FAD’s that are in the process of being inspected for maintenance requirements and will be improved. Construction of 10 more near and off shore FAD’s is in progress, with an estimated deployment at the end of this year. Coordinates to existing FADs are available to the public and can be obtained by contacting BMR at 488-3125.
The goal of this project is to benefit Palau’s locals fishermen by attracting fish to the near shore as well as to the off shore fishing area-which will be the domestic fishing zone of the PNMS, covering 20% of Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Bureau of Marine Resources, in collaboration with the States and other partners, provides support and a favorable environment for the management and sustainable use of the marine resources of Palau by the subsistence, commercial, aquaculture and recreational fisheries sectors, taking into account the possible effects of climate change and other stressors on the marine environment, for the benefit of the people of Palau. [/restrict]
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