Subscription Form

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam in 'Ahaa Forum' where public get ask questions to ministers - Photo: President Office

MALE : Maldivian fishermen are not receiving the true premium prices they deserve on the international market despite practicing sustainable fishing, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said during a public Q&A forum.

Responding to a question at the government’s “Ahaa Forum” regarding industrial foreign trawlers operating near Maldivian territorial waters in the south, Minister Shiyam highlighted that the Maldives has historically relied on traditional pole-and-line, handline, and yellowfin tuna fishing methods. He noted that while these practices are globally certified as the most eco-friendly, international buyers fail to offer a fair premium price that reflects these sustainable practices.

“We have always wanted to practice the most certified fishing methods in the Maldives, but because other countries do not follow these sustainable methods, we are not getting the premium price we should receive despite sticking to sustainable fishing for so long,” Minister said.

Minister Shiyam explained that previous proposals to permit longline fishing were aimed at generating additional income for the sector and countering declining surface fish stocks caused by climate change. However, the government paused the decision to introduce longline fishing to protect traditional fishing families from potential economic disruption.

The Minister emphasized the need to find a balanced solution through further consultations with stakeholders to increase state and community revenue without compromising marine sustainability. He noted that other nations harvest and process fish from regional waters for global markets, demonstrating clear economic opportunities that the local industry must discuss.