Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that work is underway to designate specific special zones for mariculture.
Sharing the government's efforts to diversify the Maldives' fishing industry at a press conference held on Wednesday, the Minister said that preparations are underway to develop mariculture as a separate industry.
Speaking at the press conference held by the Fisheries Ministry yesterday, Minister Shiyam stated that numerous efforts are being made to diversify the Maldives' fishing industry. Accordingly, with the changes being brought, mariculture will be developed as a separate industry and will emerge as a major industry in the future.
The Minister stated that under the efforts to designate mariculture as a separate industry, work has been done with relevant stakeholders, and four areas where aquaculture can be carried out have been identified. The Minister also said that the advice of the Cabinet has been sought regarding this matter.
The Minister has also held discussions with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to develop a mariculture industry in the Maldives. During the Minister's trip to Italy last month to participate in the 36th session of the organization's Committee on Fisheries, he met with the Assistant Director-General of the FAO and discussed providing the necessary technical and financial assistance to advance mariculture as an industry. Furthermore, the Minister met with the Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and discussed providing financial assistance to private businesses to develop the mariculture industry.
During the Minister's trip, an agreement was reached with the FAO to obtain the technical assistance needed to draft an Ocean Resources Act in the Maldives.
