Sint Maarten deploys first two fish aggregating devices

The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) said Sint Maarten deployed its first two fish aggregating devices on Wednesday 23 September. The devices were donated by the Government of Curaçao and are intended to help local fishers find offshore fishing grounds.

According to TEATT, Curaçao donated three fish aggregating devices, with two installed during the September operation. The ministry said the devices are designed to attract migratory species including tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo, and could reduce time spent searching offshore and fuel use.

TEATT said the devices use environmentally responsible materials and GPS-tracked electronic buoys. Their locations were selected after consultations with local fishers and the Nature Foundation, with coordination and approvals involving Maritime Affairs and the Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten.

The ministry said FAD 1 is at 17°57.049'N, 063°12.896'W, and FAD 2 is at 17°54.093'N, 063°14.435'W. It said Curaçao fisheries personnel assisted with preparations and deployment, then joined TEATT for an information session with local fishers.

TEATT said it had received positive feedback from fishing-community members on the devices' performance.