Abstract
Fish Aggregation Devices （FADs）are simply man-made, floating devices, which make use of the
natural habit by aggregating pelagic fishes for subsistence, recreational and commercial fishing. The
introduction of anchored FADs （aFADs）has mainly been promoted throughout the world to assist smallscale
fisheries. This paper details information of East Asia and Indian Ocean regions where aFADs are
heavily, traditionary used or successfully implemented. We focused on the aFAD design, fishing gear
used, target species and others. In addition, we highlighted the issues and management measures related
to aFADs. The main aim was to give supplementary information since aFADs are an important tool for
promoting, managing artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries all over the world, increasing localized
catches at reduced costs thereby improving food security and livelihoods of the coastal communities.
