Biodegradable materials revolutionise tuna fishing – In the tuna fishing industry, fish aggregating devices (FADs) are a key technology, but have raised significant environmental concerns over the years. Spain’s Zunibal, in collaboration with the AZTI research centre, is pushing forward revolutionary innovations to make FADs more sustainable and reduce their impact on marine ecosystems.
Zunibal has introduced a new generation of floating and submerged FAD platforms made of compostable bio-based materials.
This development aims to reduce the production of marine waste and minimise the environmental impact of tuna fishing, especially in tropical waters where these practices are prevalent. The innovative material is not only environmentally sustainable but also effective in attracting tuna, promising to transform the way the industry manages fishing operations.
The validation of these devices consists of two main phases.
The first phase takes place under semi-controlled tropical conditions at the IATTC’s Achotines Laboratory in Panama, which began last March and will last 18 months. The second phase, on the other hand, will take place under real-world conditions with the support of major industry companies such as Albacora and Echebastar, which will test 60 floating platforms in the Atlantic Ocean and 150 submerged platforms in the Indian Ocean. The aim is to compare the effectiveness of the new material with that of traditional materials and demonstrate its usefulness in fishing practice.
Impacts and benefits
In addition to reducing environmental impact, Zunibal’s new FAD design aims to simplify the construction and handling of these devices. The reduction in the use of unnecessary components such as synthetic fabrics and other traditional flotation devices is a step forward in reducing the ecological footprint of fishing activities. The collaboration between Zunibal, AZTI and the tuna grade fleets demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainability in the industry.
Future of FADs and sustainability
The project is part of a broader collaboration between the European tropical tuna purse seine industry and the IATTC, with the aim of minimising the negative impacts of fishing activities on these technologies. The adoption of these new FADs based on scientific research is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources and the economic viability of the sector.
Zunibal and AZTI’s initiative is therefore a significant example of how technological innovation can be used to address environmental challenges while ensuring sustainability and efficiency in the tuna fishing industry. With these new practices, the industry is moving towards a future where the balance between productivity and protection of the marine environment can finally become a reality.
Biodegradable materials revolutionise tuna fishing
