Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the blue economy should be considered the central axis in utilizing ocean resources, and that interconnected industries must be diversified to increase the profits derived from the ocean.
The Minister made these remarks in an address delivered on the occasion of World Oceans Day. In his address, the Minister noted that Maldivians have historically been a people who pay special attention to utilizing ocean resources in an environmentally friendly manner to secure their livelihoods. He added that looking at the Maldives' fisheries, the fact that environmentally friendly fishing practices have been sustained for centuries and developed in line with modern times symbolizes the special attention Maldivians give to this. Therefore, he stated that it is the responsibility of all of us today to protect and manage the marine environment, the surrounding ecosystem, and its biodiversity, and to pass it on in a healthy state to future generations.
The Minister stated that while unprecedented efforts are being made to develop the Maldives' fisheries sector, one of the biggest challenges we face is the negative impacts of climate change on the marine environment. In this regard, he noted that due to the warming of ocean waters caused by climate change, tuna species are migrating to distant areas and deeper parts of the ocean. As a result, the pole-and-line and handline fishing conducted in the upper layers of the ocean is negatively affected, prolonging the off-season for fishing and adversely impacting the industry.
The Minister stated that while the challenges posed by climate change cannot be resolved without global efforts, there are many obstacles to bringing a quick solution to this in today's globalized world. Therefore, he said that steps must be taken at the national level to adapt to climate change and mitigate its damages, and that we must prepare in advance. He also stated that in addition to fulfilling our individual responsibility to protect and manage our marine environment, the blue economy should be considered the central axis in utilizing ocean resources, and interconnected industries must be diversified to increase the profits derived from the ocean.
The Minister further stated that to achieve the goals set under the Ocean Decade, priority is being given to conducting research on the ocean, lagoons, reefs, and the biodiversity of these environments, as well as building the necessary human resources and inventing and introducing new technologies. He also noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in his very first address to the nation, highlighted that the government's foundations are built on research, which reinforces this effort.
In his address, the Minister highlighted that it is absolutely essential to establish a proper system for gathering and exchanging important information regarding the health and protection of marine life among those working in key ocean-dependent industries such as fisheries, tourism, and marine environment protection. He also stated that this will become a vital tool that plays an important role in managing the marine environment and taking measures to utilize ocean resources sustainably.
