The Minister of Tourism, Transportation, and Labor, mr. Wendrick Cicilia, marked an important step in strengthening the local fishing sector with the installation of four (4) additional Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in Aruba’s territorial waters.
With this, the Government continues to fulfill its commitment to creating safer and more sustainable conditions for our fishermen.
Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are structures specially designed to attract different types of fish. By placing them closer to the coast, fishermen can access more fish without having to venture into further distances or foreign waters, reducing the risks they face at sea.
The four FADs installed on Monday are located in the following areas:
Zeewijk
Sero Colorado
Juana Morto
Druif
These locations were determined in close consultation with the fishing community and other relevant stakeholders to respond directly to the needs and experiences of those who depend on the ocean for their livelihood.
“Our fishermen are an essential part of our community, our culture, and our economy. They go out to sea every day to put food on the table for many families, and their safety must be a priority. With the installation of these FADs, we are not only creating more opportunities for a good catch, but we are also reducing the risks they face, backing up our words with concrete action,” Minister Wendrick Cicilia expressed.
The project is part of a broader vision to modernize and strengthen the fishing sector in Aruba while promoting safer and more sustainable fishing practices. The initiative also reflects how tourism-derived funds, with the support of the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), are being invested into projects that directly benefit the local community.
Minister Wendrick Cicilia emphasized that many people worked behind the scenes on the operational side and extended his gratitude to Captain Aito, Alex Mansur, and Santa Rosa, who were also present for the installation of the FADs.
Minister Cicilia reaffirmed that the AVP – Futuro Cabinet will continue to work alongside the fishing community to identify opportunities that contribute to a stronger, more resilient, and safer fishing sector for all those who depend on the sea for their future.
