ABSTRACT
In the Southeast Asia region, various versions of artisanal fish aggregating devices (FADs) have been, and continue to be, part of the traditional local fishing practices. The use of artisanal FADs that were recorded in colonial documents did not cease with the introduction of more modern artificial reefs four decades ago. However, while the development and progress of artificial reefs in this region are well documented, there is a dearth of information on the artisanal FADs. This chapter provides a review on the status of artisanal FADs in this socio-culturally diverse marine region based on information gathered from official reports and research papers, as well as alternative sources such as web-based information shared by the public. The chapter highlights artisanal FADs as a regional commonality that has an enduring presence, particularly in countries where modern artificial reefs are less extensively used. It is notable that these artisanal FADs are given varied levels of attention in fishery research and management. Moreover, many of these older, relatively primitive devices have been modified to enhance their relevance in the contemporary fishery context. Lessons learned from these findings are considered in proposing the contributions that research in artisanal fish aggregating devices could make towards the sustainable management of the fisheries resources at local and regional levels.
