Fish aggregating devices (FADs) are anchored and drifting objects deployed in the ocean to gathertropical tuna and other pelagic fish species. These devices support thousands of fishing vessels worldwide. Thesefloating objects increase catch and catchability of tunas, but large-scale use of FADs raises the possibility of apotential negative effect on tuna stocks and the pelagic ecosystem: (1) possible deleterious alterations in the normallife history of tunas associated with FADs, i.e., schooling, feeding, fitness, growth, migration, natural mortality,etc., which would result in loss of genetic quality; (2) other ecological effects associated with FAD fishing thatperturb the balance in the pelagic ecosystem by increasing by-catch of non-target species, such as miscellaneousbony fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. However, the ecological impact of FADs assessed in different areas usingseveral different approaches is controversial. This review summarizes studies on the ecological impact of FADsover the past 30 years, introduces the latest developments by domestic fisheries scientists and industry, and discussesdirections for future research. We aimed to provide a better understanding for future studies and potentialFAD management options.