The commonwealth of the northern mariana islands fish aggregating device program provides recreational fishing opportunities through the establishment and maintenance of FAD systems around the three…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, awarded $116,083 in Formula Grant funding under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Lands and Natural Resources. The award, obligated on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2027, supports the Northern Mariana Islands Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Program, which establishes and maintains FAD systems around the three main populated islands to enhance recreational fishing opportunities.

The FAD systems promote the aggregation of pelagic fish species at fixed locations, delivering significant benefits to the local fishing community by increasing the likelihood of successful catch and reducing fuel consumption associated with locating fish schools. The program operates across the Northern Mariana Islands, providing infrastructure and maintenance support for these fishing resources. Consistent with the Sport Fish Restoration program's mission to conserve and enhance sport fish populations while providing public access to aquatic recreational resources, this initiative directly supports sustainable recreational fishing access and resource management in U.S. territorial waters.

The commonwealth of the northern mariana islands fish aggregating device program provides recreational fishing opportunities through the establishment and maintenance of FAD systems around the three main populated islands. These systems promotes the aggregation of pelagic fish species at fixed locations. The fads offer significant benefits to the fishing community by improving chances of hooking a fish and reducing fuel consumption during the search for schools of fish.