Representing the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), Strategic Consultant Ibrahim Athif Shakoor took the stage yesterday afternoon during the 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026), positioning the Maldives’ traditional one-by-one fishery at the center of international discussions on the blue economy.
The presentation formed part of Session 2 (Part B), titled "Regional Value-Addition & Blue Economy Opportunities," held at the Shangri-La Hotel and moderated by Thai Tuna Industry Association Advisor Dr. Adisorn Promthep.
Delivering his address, titled "Pole and Line: It's What We Do in The Maldives," Athif showcased the nation’s centuries-old harvesting tradition to an audience of international seafood executives, researchers, and policymakers. He emphasized that the Maldives’ zero-bycatch, selective pole-and-line method is an authentic model of ocean stewardship rather than an industrial extractive operation, advocating for global markets to recognize and reward the environmental integrity maintained by Maldivian fishers.
Athif participated alongside a distinguished lineup of international experts addressing maritime sustainability and supply-chain resilience:
Low-Carbon Supply Chains: Thue Barfod, Director of the Fish & Seafood Vertical at A.P. Moller-Maersk (Singapore), detailed the strategic role of logistics, maritime innovation, and connectivity in lowering the industry's carbon footprint.
Pacific-Led Development: Franklin Forau, Policy and Investment Advisor for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA, Solomon Islands), outlined the East New Britain Initiative to demonstrate how regional cooperation is expanding tuna value chains in the Pacific.
100% Tuna Utilization: Thilma Komaling, Program Lead at the Indonesia Tuna Consortium, highlighted Indonesia's transition toward full tuna utilization through collaborative circular economy models.
Side-Stream Value Creation: Scott Maltby, Global Division Manager at Shiino Foods Co., Ltd. (Japan), examined methods to reduce waste and extract commercial value from processing side-streams.
The session concluded with an interactive panel discussion and delegate Q&A, followed by an official wrap-up by the Conference Chairperson.
Highlighting the importance of the event, MIFCO stated that it is proudly participating as a Platinum Sponsor at TUNA 2026 from September 14 to 16 under the theme "Strengthening value chain synergies, blue economy and sustainability across the global tuna industry." Reflecting on the session, MIFCO noted that Athif’s address celebrated the deep-rooted history, heritage, and national identity tied to the Maldives' sustainable pole-and-line fishing practices, proving to the world that traditional methods remain a gold standard for the modern blue economy.
