Technical Report on Inventory of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADS)/Payao in Sulu-Sulawesi Seas

Abstract

As part of Joint Research Program on Tuna Resources in Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, an inventory of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs)/Payaos along oceanographic survey track was carried out onboard M.V.SEAFDEC2 during October to December 2014 and March to May 2015. This is to determine the extent of FADs distribution and density in this subregion. Using scanning radar and verification using binoculars/telescopes, a total of 510 FADs/Payaos were observed and inventoried along survey tracks in the study area. Majority of FADs/Payaos are anchored type and made of steel type buoys. Most dense FADs/Payaos observation is located outside Sarangani Bay, North of Manado in Indonesia and at about Latitude 4o N Longitude 122o E with mean density of 12-15 Payaos/36 sq.NM.