FADs and Mining the Ocean of Life
By B. McPherson FADs are a glaring example of the Law of Unintended Consequences. I’m not talking lava lamps or hoola hoops here. FADs are Fish Aggregation Devices and I have to admit that I was not aware of this particular little horror in our oceans until now. FADs are devices based on the knowledge that fish in the oceans tend to gather around or under logs or other floating debris. Since the outcry in most countries about killing of dolphins in purse seine nets meant to catch tuna, this piece of technology has been increasingly used. Do you buy “Dolphin Safe” tuna? Do the cans of tuna in your pantry bear the little logo that tells you that you are being a responsible consumer? Mine does and I felt ok about canned tuna, in spite of the high mercury levels, until now. Fifty years ago the primary method for catching tuna was with poles and hooks into the school of tuna. It was tough, dangerous work but only tuna were caught. Then the fishing industry started using fl...