Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the full benefits of the government's investments in the fishing industry can only be realized by finding ways to ensure a continuous supply of fish to fish purchasing facilities.
Minister Shiyam made these remarks in a message shared on X today, extending greetings to relevant parties on the occasion of World Tuna Day.
"I extend World Tuna Day greetings to fishermen, fishing families, and all those active in the fishing industry," the Minister's message read.
In his message, the Minister noted that the past year was a year in which fishing in the Maldives declined to a level not seen in recent times, and that due to climate change, specifically El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole, the temperature of the upper layer of the ocean rose unusually high. He added that this caused irreparable damage to countries that fish by bringing fish to the upper layer of the ocean using pole-and-line and handline, which is the method of fishing in the Maldives.
The Minister said that Maldivians must also adapt to the changes in the marine environment caused by such climate changes. He also highlighted the importance of finding other sustainable fishing methods, facilitating other types of fishing, and diversifying the economy.
"The full benefits of the investments we are making in the fishing industry can only be realized by finding ways to ensure a continuous supply of fish to those facilities," Minister Shiyam stated.
This government's aim is to diversify the fishing industry and increase the economic benefits derived from it. Furthermore, it aims to invest in fishing, build human resources in the fisheries sector, and increase the population participating in economic activities related to fishing.
