The project, implemented with technical assistance from Japan to strengthen 'Blue Economy' principles and promote sustainable fisheries in the Maldives, has been successfully concluded.
Under an agreement signed between the Government of Japan and the Government of Maldives in 2014, the 'Promotion of Blue Economy in Fisheries Sector of the Maldives' project was carried out jointly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Maldivian Government. According to the Fisheries Ministry, the project aimed to increase income from fishing and further strengthen the fisheries sector, and it has now been successfully completed.
The project, based on three main components, included introducing new fishing techniques, training fishermen, and developing fisheries infrastructure. In this regard, research was conducted in Japan and the Maldives on measures to maintain the quality of yellowfin tuna, identifying actionable steps to preserve its quality locally. Additionally, a pilot project was conducted to determine methods for keeping bait alive longer in pole-and-line fishing, and based on the research, ways to prolong bait survival were identified. Furthermore, programs were conducted in three islands to teach methods for improving the quality of fish products, producing them on a 'commercial scale', and introducing these products to the market.
The project was coordinated by a Joint Coordination Committee comprising officials from JICA and the Fisheries Ministry. To mark the conclusion of the project, the committee held a meeting on May 29. During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the Fisheries Ministry's future plans to take the project's achievements to the next level. In addition, the Fisheries Ministry held a seminar on May 26 to share the techniques used and the outcomes achieved through the project with fishermen and stakeholders in the fisheries industry across the Maldives.
JICA stated that the project's activities were highly successful and that they are preparing to launch another similar project in collaboration with the Maldivian Government next year.
