Beverly, S., Griffiths D. & Lee, R. (2012). Anchored fish aggregating devices for artisanal fisheries in South and Southeast Asia: benefits and risks. FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand, RAP Publication 2012/20,65p.   Fish Aggregating Devices, also known as FADs, have been used to attract fish, making them easier to catch and reducing fuel costs when searching for schools of pelagic fish. FADs are used by both industrial fishing fleets fishing the high seas for tunas and tuna-like species, as well as by artisanal fishing communities as a means of providing for their food security and livelihoods.   It is necessary to distinguish between industrial anchored and drifting FADs used by large purse seiners and artisanal anchored FADs, because the scale of operation and the objectives are different. Different quantities of fish are caught and different types of fishing gear are used. The size selectivity of aquatic species caught, including sharks and turtles, and other endangered, threatened or protected species, is influenced by the type of gear used for fishing. In addition, industrial FADs are used in large numbers all over the high seas, while artisanal anchored FADs are usually located near coastal fishing communities and are important for local food security, nutrition and livelihoods.   Some countries in Southeast Asia are embarking on anchored FAD programmes to boost fish production and to increase food security. This document provides supplementary detailed analyses of the benefits, risks and threats related to the implementation of FAD programmes and specifically for artisanal anchored FADs. The analysis shows that while anchored FADs can bring important benefits to fishing communities in terms of food security and livelihoods, it is necessary to properly plan the intervention as there are many pitfalls which can cause programmes to become unsustainable, resulting in losses for both governments and fishing communities. FADs can also be a source of pollution, and can obstruct navigation and other fishing activities, leading to social conflict.   Chapter one of this publication gives a brief background on FADs and the purpose of this publication. Chapter two describes what a FAD is and explains some of the main differences between artisanal anchored (fixed) and industrial anchored and drifting FADs. Chapter three explores the benefits, risks and threats associated with FADs. These include fisheries management and economic and financial as well as socio-economic issues. Gender and climate change are also covered/ treated in this chapter.   A series of annexes in this publication provide specialist technical information. Annex 1 offers details on how to choose a site for a FAD programme and how to construct and install an artisanal anchored FAD, as well as links to where additional FADs information can be found. Annexes 2, 3 and 4 present case studies on FADs from Niue, the Southwest Indian Ocean and the Comoros, while Annex 5 gives some guidance on good fishing practices around FADs for artisanal fishers with some common species, fishing methods, fish handling and sanitation practices. References and further reading are provided at the end of the publication.   Finally, the FAO 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and its supplement on Technical Guidelines for the Implementation of the Code of Conduct – Fishing Operations provides guidance on the installation of FADs. Countries wishing to implement FAD programmes should take these into account.