Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has emphasized the urgent need to innovate and explore new avenues to maximize the benefits of ocean resources as the global economy faces a fragile period. In a message marking World Oceans Day, the Minister highlighted that climate change is fundamentally altering the landscape of tuna fisheries.

Minister Shiyam noted that in 2024, the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, experienced a significant decline in skipjack tuna productivity. Rising sea temperatures have caused fish stocks to migrate to deeper waters and more distant regions, adversely affecting traditional pole-and-line fishing and leading to prolonged off-seasons for the local industry.

To combat these challenges, the Minister stated that the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is focused on deep-sea research and identifying underwater resources to sustainably diversify the economy. A key policy objective includes adding value to fish products and expanding the aquaculture sector to enhance the benefits derived from the sea.

The Minister also shared milestones in the seaweed aquaculture sector, noting that the first shipment was exported this year following its introduction last year. He revealed that two additional companies have already begun investing in the industry. Furthermore, a new project with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is being developed to create seaweed-based products, which is expected to generate employment and open new economic opportunities.

Discussions are also currently underway with the Japanese government to establish further projects aimed at harnessing the Maldives’ marine resources effectively.