(Press Release/Palau) – The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Micronesia and Polynesia, Palau’s Bureau of Fisheries, and the Civic Action Team (CAT) 84-10 have joined forces to fabricate a new set of anchors for Palau’s growing Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) network.
By the end of October 2025, twelve anchors had been completed at Camp Katuu, the CAT base in Palau.
This effort is part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen Palau’s offshore fisheries.
FADs attract tuna and other pelagic fish closer to shore, providing local fishers with alternative fishing opportunities and helping reduce pressure on nearshore reef fish populations. One of the biggest challenges, however, has been maintaining enough anchors for new deployments and replacements.
Unlike older models, the new anchors are lighter and designed for deployment using the Bureau of Fisheries’ own vessel, saving both time and money. The design relies on locally available materials, ensuring new anchors can be built quickly whenever replacements are needed. The prototype was designed by Roman Mongami from the Bureau, with TNC providing materials and coordinating partners. Fabrication was led by CAT 84-10’s Sergeant Miller, who welded the anchors. The states of Ngarchelong and Ngeremlengui offered storage space for the completed anchors.
“The collaboration with CAT has really helped,” said Dean Kloulechad, Fisheries Research Assistant at TNC Micronesia and Polynesia. “It’s made the process faster, cheaper, and more sustainable. It’s great to see local skills and teamwork driving the work forward.”
The new anchors have already been distributed to coastal communities and will be used for upcoming FAD deployments or replacements.
