The government's efforts to ensure fishermen are formally recognised by state institutions are delivering positive results, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Fisheries Minister Shiyam said the establishment of a national fishermen's registry has enabled fishermen to gain formal recognition within the country's financial system, making it easier for them to access banking and financing services.
The Minister noted that attracting and retaining Maldivians in the fisheries sector remains a major challenge, describing the industry as unique because of the Maldives' long-standing tradition of pole-and-line fishing. He said the Maldives continues to be among the countries making the greatest efforts to preserve and promote the sustainable fishing method.
The Minister noted that fishermen previously spent their entire working lives in the industry without their occupation being formally recognised by the state. He said the absence of official records meant many fishermen faced difficulties accessing financial services, reducing interest in the profession.
"Things are steadily improving. We have established a fishermen's registry and made fishermen a group recognised by financial systems and institutions. Previously, even if someone spent their whole life fishing, the state had no record of it. Now, it is much easier for fishermen to access banking and financing services," Shiyam said.
The Minister also said practices in previous years, where jobs in the fisheries sector were provided for political reasons without proper assessment, had weakened the industry. Highlighting efforts to attract young people to fisheries, minister said five participants have completed training under a government youth programme and all have continued working in the sector. He added that the government plans to expand similar programmes to encourage greater youth participation in the fishing industry.
Developing the fisheries sector remains one of the government's highest priorities, according to the minister.
He said efforts are continuing to ensure fair prices for fishermen's catch, expand cold storage capacity and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the industry.