Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has announced the successful completion of the National Fishermen’s Register compilation. The primary objective of establishing this National Fishermen’s Register is to formally recognize fishermen as individuals engaged in income-generating work that is officially acknowledged by the state, similar to other professions. The National Fishermen’s Register was officially launched on February 16th of last year. In alignment with the current administration’s pledges, the Ministry of Fisheries has stated that comprehensive arrangements will be put in place to collect detailed information not only for the main fishermen’s register but also for various types of reef fishing, such as grouper fishing, as well as recreational fishing and sports fishing activities.
Minister Ahmed Shiyam highlighted that the initiative to establish the fishermen’s register was personally championed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who accorded special priority to ensuring that fishermen are formally recognized by the state. The Minister reiterated that the compilation of this register is now complete. He further noted that the ongoing efforts are focused on registering additional individuals who wish to join the register and those who are newly entering the fishing profession.
Minister Shiyam explained that a significant outcome of compiling this register is the affirmation that fishermen, much like employees in other sectors, are now officially recognized by both the state and financial institutions. Through this register, fishermen will gain access to various banking facilities, thereby solidifying their status as income-earners. Minister Shiyam added that fishermen will also be eligible for different loan schemes offered by banks and will have opportunities to participate in various housing projects launched by the government.
“The fishing families will not receive greater joy than this. Fishing families incur substantial expenses; they need to secure loans for housing construction, education for their children, and various other facilities. Previously, there was no formal record anywhere confirming that a fisherman, a father, was engaged in an income-generating profession. However, today, it is confirmed that a fisherman is indeed engaged in income-generating work,” stated Minister Shiyam. He concluded by emphasizing that making fishermen a recognized entity by the state during this term is a key pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
