WILLEMSTAD – Fishermen in Westpunt have installed an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver to improve the visibility of maritime objects along the western coast of Curaçao, the government announced.
The installation enables Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), previously deployed by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), to be digitally tracked. These floating devices are used to attract fish but had posed a safety risk due to limited visibility.
According to GMN, the new system allows vessels and authorities to better exchange position data and monitor maritime traffic more accurately.
“The FADs attract fish, but without sufficient visibility they posed a risk to shipping,” the ministry stated. “With the new receiver, maritime movements can be monitored more effectively.”
The initiative is expected to enhance maritime safety while also making it easier for fishermen to locate the FADs, supporting both navigation and fishing activities along Curaçao’s west coast.