Government will aim for subsidy independent fisheries, says Minister

Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr Mohamed Shainee has said that the government will aim to foster a sustainable fisheries in the Maldives, independent from fuel and other forms of government subsidies.

Speaking at the 10 December Fishermen’s Day celebrations in Dhaalu Meedhoo today, the Fisheries Minister said that Maldives must focus on developing a fisheries that is both socially and economically sustainable.

He said that sustainability of the fisheries industry is not limited to practical sustainable practices, but must evolve into an industry where the fishermen have freedom to grow.

“Recently, we’ve seen a great deal of subsidizing in fisheries. I don’t believe that subsidized fisheries is altogether sustainable. I would like to see fishermen progress with their own hard work, without the assistance of others,” the Fisheries Minister said.

This policy of non-subsidized fisheries will be sought through by the government, the Minister assured, and further explained that the campaign pledge of MVR 10,000 per fisherman, regardless of catch, was an insurance scheme.

“The ‘regardless of catch’ reward policy does not mean that the fisherman will get money even if they stay idly at home. Our manifesto states this very clearly. It will be implemented as an insurance scheme, which means that it will be participated by both sides,” Dr Shainee said.

He said the insurance scheme is not designed to further make the fishermen dependent on government aid.