Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has announced that five areas in the Maldives will be designated and developed as "Sports Fishing Hubs."
He made these remarks during a press conference held last Wednesday at the Seneco Hall of Voice of Maldives, while sharing the government's efforts to diversify the Maldives' fisheries industry.
"Under the umbrella of diversification, we are introducing a sports fishing hub, which is also among the President's pledges. We are designating five areas in the Maldives. As you know, sports fishing has now become a very trending activity, a fishing activity," the Minister said.
The Minister stated that these hubs will be developed in a way that can be utilized by both locals and foreigners, and will also provide solutions to the challenges faced in reef fishing.
"We are targeting not only the local sports fishing community active in the Maldives but also the global international community, so that these hubs or these places are developed to be places that provide the solutions they need as well," the Minister said.
According to the Minister, the development of fish hubs as part of the efforts to diversify fisheries will increase foreign investments entering the Maldives, boost state revenue, and create additional jobs.
Although the Minister stated that five areas have been designated as "Sports Fishing Hubs," he did not specify which areas they are.
To further develop reef fishing and increase the income derived from fisheries, the Fisheries Ministry has introduced a loan scheme specifically for those active in fishing and processing. The loan scheme has been announced, and the evaluation of interested parties has now been completed.
"That was an opportunity opened through SDFC. God willing, the loans will be awarded to the deserving parties without much delay," the Minister said.
Under the government's efforts to diversify the fisheries industry and increase its profitability, work is also underway to develop aquaculture as a separate industry.
