Beachcombing Report Reveals Washed-Up Fish Aggregating Device

Discarded ocean technology found along Texas coastline highlights global fishing industry's environmental impact.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:21pm

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An abstract, geometric painting in earthy tones of blue, green, and brown, depicting a complex web of interconnected marine life and industrial fishing equipment, conveying the fragility of the ocean ecosystem.A discarded fish aggregating device serves as a stark reminder of the unseen impacts of industrial fishing on marine ecosystems.Corpus Christi Today

A beachcomber in Corpus Christi, Texas discovered a fish aggregating device (FAD) that had washed ashore, providing a glimpse into the global tuna fishing industry's use of these floating structures to attract fish. While effective, FADs can also inadvertently catch sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life, leading to calls for increased regulation.

Why it matters

FADs are widely used by the tuna industry worldwide, with thousands deployed in open waters to lure fish. However, these devices can have unintended consequences by attracting non-target species that become bycatch. Documenting FAD strandings along the Texas coast helps raise awareness of this environmental issue and the need for more sustainable fishing practices.

The details

The beachcomber found the FAD, which resembled a large, weathered plastic tabletop with ropes, netting, and trailing lines hanging beneath it to create structure in the open ocean. Nearby was a satellite beacon that could trace the device back to distant fishing fleets, many originating off West Africa. While some FADs are homemade, this one appeared to be an industrial model used by the global tuna industry.

  • The beachcomber found the FAD along the high tide line this week in Corpus Christi, Texas.
  • The beachcomber says they find four or five of these FADs each year along the local beaches.

The players

Jace Tunnell

The Director of Community Engagement for the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, who writes the Beachcombing series that documented the FAD discovery.

A group in Florida

They are now documenting FAD strandings and working toward restrictions or bans due to their environmental impact.

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What they’re saying

“These devices attract more than tuna, but also sharks, sea turtles, and other species that become unintended catch.”

— Jace Tunnell, Director of Community Engagement, Harte Research Institute

What’s next

A group in Florida is now documenting these FAD strandings, working toward restrictions or bans due to their impact on marine life.

The takeaway

The discovery of this discarded fish aggregating device on the Texas coast highlights the global scale and environmental consequences of the tuna fishing industry's reliance on these floating structures. It underscores the need for more sustainable fishing practices and increased regulation to protect vulnerable marine species from becoming unintended bycatch.