October 28, 2023 — Biodegradable drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs), though more environmentally friendly than traditional models, are hindered by shorter lifespans than petroleum-plastic devices, but a new report from the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) highlighting a new dFAD design may offer a solution.
The ISSF, a U.S.-based globally focused NGO that centers on tuna sustainability, released a report titled “Biodegradable drifting fish aggregating devices: Current status and future prospects” in July to determine the state of biodegradable dFAD innovation and set recommendations for tuna regional fishery management organizations (tRFMOs) aiming to require 100 percent biodegradable dFAD use in the future.