The fishing industry is extremely important for food sustainability, especially for an island like Puerto Rico. As part of its mission to encourage the blue economy, Bluetide worked with Legado Azul and Industrial Machinery Movers in the deployment of twenty-two (22) Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).

The “Fish Aggregating Devices” or FADs are buoys anchored with blocks of concrete at a depth of approximately 2,000 feet, supported by a steel cable that connects the pieces of concrete to a cylindrical buoy that floats at a depth of approximately 80 to 60 feet. The FADS also have a “flag” or rope where organisms such as algae and sponges are added naturally. This entire ecosystem attracts small fish or bait, and it is then that pelagic fish such as Blue Marlins, Wahoo and Barracudas are attracted. These buoys in a pelagic environment facilitate fishing, increase fishing statistics, and capture success.

Bluetide’s collaboration with Dr. Alfredo Torruella (Legado Azul) and Carlos “Kiko” Baez (IMM) began in May of 2022 to use the “blueManta”, our oceanographic-research vessel and its services for the deployment of the buoys. During a period of 45 days, we managed to install 22 FADS (8 floating on the surface and 14 submerged) throughout the north of Puerto Rico, from Manatí to Río Grande.

Our goal is to continue stimulating the fishing sector with the installation of more FADS throughout Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.