On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Division of Fish and Wildlife will position the last of three new fish aggregating devices (FAD’s) currently being tested for durability and effectiveness just 10 nautical miles northwest of Savanna Island off St. Thomas, according to a press release from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Two previous designs were deployed in August 2009. A total 26 locations are permitted for St. Thomas/St. John and 21 for St. Croix.
“Deployment of this device aids in reducing the fishing pressure on our depleted fisheries. It increases the catch and harvest of seasonally abundant migratory, pelagic fish species, like tuna, dolphin and marlin, and it also just improves the overall enjoyment of the recreational fishing experience,” said Director of Fish and Wildlife Beulah Dalmida-Smith.
Mooring to the buoys is not permitted. This project is 100 percent funded by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration funds.
For more information, contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 775-6762 on St. Thomas or 773-1082 on St. Croix.
