State Minister for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Dr. Amzath Ahmed, has stated that significant advancements have been achieved in the sector following the implementation of the new Fisheries Act in the Maldives. Dr. Amzath made these remarks while speaking as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the Ocean Governance Forum.
The Ocean Governance Forum is an initiative organized by the Faculty of Arts of the Maldives National University (MNU). This marks the second edition of the forum.
Addressing the ceremony, State Minister Dr. Amzath Ahmed emphasized that institutions and corporations can only function effectively within a robust national legal and policy framework.
He noted that the newly enacted Fisheries Act has paved the way for vital progress in the industry. However, he cautioned that challenges remain as the legal framework must continuously evolve to keep pace with global changes. He specifically highlighted the expansion of mariculture, evolving fishing practices, and emerging international obligations as key areas requiring ongoing attention.
“In alignment with our international commitments, the Maldives has now formulated a 20-year Fisheries Master Plan. Regional legal and policy research will enable us to identify gaps, minimize duplication of efforts, and facilitate the promotion of best practices beneficial to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives,” Dr. Amzath stated.
The State Minister further remarked that no discussion on ocean governance would be complete without addressing the threats posed by climate change. For a nation like the Maldives, where 99 percent of the territory is ocean, increasing ocean acidity and coral bleaching are direct threats to the country’s survival. He noted that across the entire South Asian region, these environmental changes have led to more frequent storms, increased coastal erosion, and disruptions to fisheries, thereby endangering the livelihoods and incomes of millions.
The Ocean Governance Forum, organized by MNU, is a one-day event featuring participants from both the Maldives and abroad. The inaugural forum was held in 2023.
