IPB University and Teuku Umar University (UTU) Put Palm fiber Fish Aggregating Device (FAD/ Rumpon) in Aceh Jaya Waters

Fish aggregating device (FAD) technology could give positive impact for fisherman, especially FAD with good attraction and durability in the sea. The purpose is to lower the maintenance cost of FAD. Besides that, FAD’s durability could affect fish schooling around FAD.

Dr Roza Yusfiandayani and Prof Dr Mulyono S Baskoro from Department of Fisheries Resources Utilization of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science IPB University, Hafinuddin and Muhammad Agam Thahir from Fisheries Studies of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science Teuku Umar University developed an environmentally friendly palm fiber FAD. According to Roza, palm fiber FAD has been developed since 2016. From few study results, in Indian Ocean, palm fiber FAD has given good impact in durability and better fish abundance compared to palm leaves FAD.

The development of palm fiber FAD as biodegradable FAD for shallow waters fisherman is highly needed. That’s why, Dr Roza and team put 3 units of of palm fiber FAD jin the Indian Ocean or 7 miles from Aceh Jaya District, (22/1). This palm fiber FAD is an innovation developed for Indonesian fishermen.

FAD itself according to the Rule of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries number PER 02/MEN.2011 is a device used to gather fish using several kinds of attractor from solid material that function to attract fisher to gather. Dr Roza said that pelagic fish gather around FAD using coconut, palm, and betel leaf attractor since the first day of installment of FAD in the waters.

“Application of FAD technology as a fish catching helping device will gives profit and increase fisherman’s income, fresh catch result, save oil fuel in catching fish. FAD with regulated management in catching time, catching period, catching tools that operates and the amount of FAD will maintain sustainability of fish stock resources in the waters.” She added. (IAAS/KRH)