The GA. Gemanafushi Council has expressed serious concern, warning that unless pole-and-line fishing—a sector historically vital to the Maldives and particularly prominent in Gemanafushi—is actively promoted to attract the youth, the industry faces the real threat of total extinction in the coming years.
In an exclusive interview with "Keyolha," Mohamed Shiyam, executive of the Gemanafushi Council stated that while Gemanafushi was once home to numerous fishing vessels crewed mostly by local youth, the presence of Maldivian fishermen has declined drastically, leaving the majority of current boat crews comprised of foreign workers.
Primary Reasons Youth Avoid Fishing
Elaborating on the root causes of this shift, the Shiyam highlighted that during the 1970s and 1980s, stage plays, radio dramas, school textbooks, and general household discourse framed fishing as an uneducated, hard labor job. By the 2000s, this negative perception had deeply ingrained itself into societal mindsets, prompting young people to prioritize lower-paying land-based jobs on their island over fishing.
"If the youth do not go to sea, how can fisheries progress? There is no other way. Therefore, we must say the future of Maldivian fisheries looks extremely bleak," he noted.
Solutions to Revitalize the Industry and Attract Youth
Pointing out that Gemanafushi currently operates nine fully functional fishing vessels—each over 100 feet in length and equipped with modern amenities—the council executive emphasized that bringing light back to the sector requires showing society the true reality of modern fishing.
Key actions to achieve this include:
Highlighting Vessel Standards: Showcasing the modern amenities onboard, such as air-conditioned quarters, high catering standards, and advanced technology.
Disclosing Earnings Potential: Transparently sharing information regarding the substantial income opportunities available in the industry.
Emphasizing Opportunities for Educated Youth: Communicating that fishing is a respectable field suitable for educated individuals, who are often better equipped to succeed in modern fisheries.
Shiyam noted that if pole-and-line fishing is effectively promoted in a way that resonates with young people, there remains hope for a brighter future in the sector. Conversely, failing to do so will inevitably lead to the demise of pole-and-line fishing in the Maldives.
In conclusion, he stressed the critical importance of launching targeted promotional initiatives aimed at revitalizing the industry and inspiring the young generation to return to sea.
