FADs and livelihoods: Evaluating the socio-economic impact of offshore fisheries in Mauritius

Abstract

Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) have become central to artisanal fisheries in many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), yet their long-term socio-economic impacts remain underexplored. This study offers the first comprehensive assessment of FAD fisheries in Mauritius since their introduction in 1985. There are 28 designated sites for anchored FADs in Mauritius at present serving some 350 active fishers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving surveys with 35 artisanal fishers across three regions, focus group discussions, and multivariate statistical analysis. Results show that 91 % of respondents reported improved livelihoods through FAD fishing, with region, boat ownership, and trip cost jointly explaining 64.9 % of income variability. Regional income also differed significantly. However, disparities in FAD access, operational costs, and bait availability emerged. Cluster analysis identified three distinct fisher profiles, reflecting differences in capitalisation, trip effort, and economic vulnerability. Climate change concerns were also prominent, with fishers perceiving shifts in pelagic fish behaviour. Despite limited governance frameworks, there was strong support for community-led management. It is recommended that a national FAD management strategy is prepared that includes zoning and rotational use, investment in live bait infrastructure, monitoring and data reporting, training for co-management, and integrating climate adaptation. These findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals and Blue Economy principles, offering policy-relevant insights for resilient offshore fisheries governance in SIDS.