Under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, one of the top priorities of the Maldivian government is to strengthen the fisheries sector and enhance the Maldives' role as a responsible steward of Indian Ocean resources, stated Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam.
Delivering the opening statement at the ceremony held this morning at Barceló to officially commence the 30th Annual Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) currently underway in the Maldives, Minister Shiyam said that hosting the IOTC meeting in the Maldives holds very special meaning for us. The Minister noted that this significance is amplified because the Maldives is an island nation whose history, economy, and identity have always been intertwined with the ocean.
In his statement, the Minister noted that although this meeting is taking place during the Maldives' transitional monsoon period—a time of rough seas when currents and weather are difficult to predict—Maldivian fishermen, like our forefathers, still go out to sea today and every day. The steadfastness and courage of these fishermen serve as a reminder of how important the Commission's work is to the coastal communities of the Indian Ocean, the Minister said.
Highlighting the importance the government places on the fisheries sector, the Minister stated that under the guidance of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldivian government gives high priority to strengthening the fisheries sector, modernizing the industry, and assisting fishing families. He added that efforts are also being made to strengthen the Maldives' role in responsibly managing Indian Ocean resources. Noting that the government provided full support to host this meeting in the Maldives for that purpose, the Minister sincerely thanked President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for his strong support in making this a reality. The Minister also stated that this decision demonstrates the importance the government places on the collective management of Indian Ocean tuna resources and the strengthening of relations among the countries in the region.
In his statement, the Minister said that in the Maldives, "sustainability" is not merely a philosophical concept, and that long before the term became common in international policies, Maldivian communities recognized that the healthy survival of marine life is linked to the prosperity of future generations.
"Today, in shaping our fisheries policies, we prioritize that deep understanding. The Maldives' pole-and-line fishery is built on robust principles that minimize negative impacts on other marine life, protect the marine ecosystem, and ensure the income of thousands of citizens across the islands," Minister Ahmed Shiyam said.
The Minister stated that one of the most important discussions taking place during this week's IOTC session is regarding the protection and management of the yellowfin tuna resource. He noted that the Maldives has always fully supported the goal of rebuilding and increasing the yellowfin tuna population. With the initial measures established in 2016 to increase the tuna population, the Maldives has undertaken important work at the national level to reduce pressure on the tuna stock, which includes changes to the fisheries system and the suspension of longline fishing, the Minister said.
"These measures brought about significant challenges. For small island developing states, such conservation measures have profound impacts on the social and economic conditions of fishing families. However, due to the immense importance of sustainably providing this resource to future generations, we took on these responsibilities with the utmost priority," Minister Ahmed Shiyam said.
Therefore, the Minister expressed hope that the sacrifices made and the efforts being undertaken by responsible coastal states and small-scale fishers will be fully recognized through the work of this Commission.
"The Indian Ocean is the main artery that connects us all. The future of this ocean is built on our ability to trust one another, act fairly, and work together in unity. The impact of the decisions we make at this meeting will extend far beyond the walls of this hall," Minister Ahmed Shiyam said.
The Minister noted that the Commission's decisions serve as a foundation for the future of coastal communities, food security, and livelihood opportunities, as well as for the sustainable continuation of tuna fishing, which is one of the world's most important resources.
The Minister concluded his statement by expressing gratitude to all parties who provided support in various ways and worked on organizing the meeting to successfully host the Commission's session in the Maldives. He also extended a very warm welcome to the Maldives to the meeting participants on behalf of the Maldivian government and citizens. He expressed hope that their journey to participate in the meeting would result in productive, successful, and unforgettably joyful moments.
"May the discussions held this week reflect our collective responsibility to provide the benefits of the Indian Ocean to future generations, rather than just serving national interests," Minister Ahmed Shiyam said.
The 30th Annual Session of the IOTC, taking place from the 4th to the 15th of this month at Barceló Nasandhura, is attended by over 200 delegates, fisheries experts, and senior officials from countries in the Indian Ocean region and around the world. This is the first time an annual session of the IOTC is being held in the Maldives.
