WILLEMSTAD – The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Management (AVB), formerly known as LVV, under the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), has installed a new Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) off the coast of Bándabou, near Porto Marie and Daaibooi. The installation is part of the government's ongoing efforts to support local fishermen, strengthen the fishing industry, and improve Curaçao's food security.
The new device was deployed on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at a location known as Banki, just south of the area between Porto Marie and Daaibooi. A team of specialists installed the device in waters approximately 640 meters (2,100 feet) deep, at coordinates 12°12.2550′ N, 69°06.4826′ W.
The installation replaces an earlier FAD that had been in operation at Banki since 2017 but broke loose and disappeared on February 25, 2026.
Following the loss of the original device, Gilmar Pisas, who was responsible for the agriculture, environment, and nature portfolio at the time, expressed his intention to have it replaced.
Fish Aggregating Devices Support Local Fishing Industry
Over the years, the Ministry of GMN has installed numerous Fish Aggregating Devices in the waters surrounding Curaçao. According to the department, the program has been highly successful in supporting local fishing activities.
Fish Aggregating Devices are floating structures anchored in the ocean that attract fish, making it easier for fishermen to locate fishing grounds and improve their catches.
The government reports that local fishermen benefit significantly from these devices, regularly catching substantial quantities of fish.
Tuna is among the most commonly caught species around the devices, along with mahi-mahi, marlin, and other fish species found in Curaçao's surrounding waters.
By concentrating fish in designated areas, the devices help fishermen identify productive fishing locations and can reduce the time spent searching for fish at sea.
New Device Equipped With Navigation Safety Technology
The newly installed FAD at Banki includes several safety features designed to reduce the risk of collisions with passing vessels.
Like other government-installed FADs, the device is equipped with a light that activates at night, a radar reflector, and an Automatic Identification System (AIS).
AIS is a tracking and communication system used by vessels to transmit and receive information about their positions and nearby maritime activity.
By equipping the FAD with AIS technology, the government aims to make the device more visible to vessels operating in the area and minimize the risk of accidental collisions.
The radar reflector and nighttime lighting provide additional visibility, particularly for boats navigating near the device after dark.
These precautions are intended to protect both maritime traffic and the fishing infrastructure.
Strengthening Curaçao's Food Security
The government considers the installation and maintenance of Fish Aggregating Devices an important part of its policy to support the local fishing sector and strengthen national food security.
By helping fishermen access productive fishing areas, the program aims to support local fish production and contribute to the availability of seafood for the population.
The Ministry of GMN has indicated that it intends to continue the FAD installation program to ensure that an adequate number of devices remain operational in Curaçao's waters.
The replacement at Banki forms part of that commitment, restoring a fishing location that had been without its original device since February.
Government Calls for Responsible Fishing
With the new FAD now installed, the government is urging fishermen who use the location to exercise care and avoid activities that could damage the equipment.
The ministry emphasized that responsible fishing practices are essential to preserving the devices and ensuring they remain available to the fishing community.
Damage to a FAD can interrupt fishing activities and require additional resources for repairs or replacement.
The government therefore encourages all fishermen operating near Banki and other FAD locations to respect the installations and help protect them.
Through the continued deployment of these devices, Curaçao aims to strengthen its fishing industry, support local livelihoods, and improve the country's capacity to produce food from its surrounding waters.