The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has stated that efforts to encourage young people into the fishing industry are beginning to show positive results. He made the remark while briefing PSM News on the programme launched by the Ministry to pique youth’s interest in the industry.
The Minister emphasised that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu places strong importance on revitalising the fisheries sector, particularly after years of neglect by previous administrations. He said the past governments had politicised the industry by offering low wages to young workers, which caused a sharp decline in youth participation, and led to a slowdown in the sector.
According to the Minister, the President's priority is to bring a solution to this issue and once again attract youth back into the industry, while ensuring that fishermen earn a fair income.
To support this goal, the Ministry introduced a training programme designed to spark youth interest in the industry, adding that interest expressed by fishing vessel owners helped drive the initiative. As a result, boat owners and captains were taking the lead to bring in young crew members on board, due to which youth involvement in the fishing industry is now increasing, he said.
“I believe the results are very positive. The President has a strong manifesto that can revive youth participation in the fishing industry. In addition to this programme, mariculture programmes have been carried out, with many young people, including women, taking part. The most important step taken by the President was ensuring payment for the fish caught by the fishermen. This has made a real difference in attracting youth to the sector,,” he said.
The training programme, initiated under President Muizzu’s broader fisheries policy, aims to provide opportunities for youth to acquire training and practical skills related to the fisheries sector. The programme will provide technical information on fisheries as well as practical fishing opportunities for participants. Participants will receive hands-on training from some of the country’s most experienced fishermen on skipjack tuna and pole-and-line fishing methods.
Five youths under the age of 24 who were not previously on the fishermen's register have been selected to participate in the three-month programme. During the training programme, each participant will receive a daily allowance.