The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has stated that while the oceans are the backbone of the Maldivian economy, the tuna fishery is facing significant challenges due to the impacts of climate change. Consequently, he emphasized the necessity of exploring underwater resources and leveraging innovation to maximize the economic benefits derived from the sea.
The Minister further noted that the government’s strategic objective is to expand the aquaculture sector and enhance the value-added potential of fish products. He highlighted that new industries, such as seaweed aquaculture, are already being introduced through international collaboration and ongoing projects. A key pillar of the government’s policy is to ensure that Maldivians take a leading role in the sustainable utilization of marine resources, guided by scientific research and the preservation of marine biodiversity.
