Shiyam urges leaders to take bold action for fisheries

The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, has called on world leaders to take bold action towards sustainability of the oceans and marine resources.

The minister made the remarks in his statement at the 36^th Committee on Fisheries (COFI36) currently ongoing in Rome, Italy.

While speaking at the conference, Minister Shiyam encouraged global leaders to take bold action and make difficult decisions while being guided by the principles of sustainability, equity and justice in a unified effort to preserve the oceans and marine resources.

The minister pointed out to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s code of conduct for responsible fisheries and sustainable development goals, particularly the provision calling for conservation and sustainability of the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

He highlighted the significant strides made by the Maldivian government and its contributions to the fisheries industry, and announced the government’s efforts to make “fisheries greener” with increased investment in renewable energy under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision.

In this regard, the minister highlighted government’s aim to source at least 35 percent of the energy used in the Maldives fisheries industry from renewable sources within the next four years.

Highlighting that the Maldives recognizes the challenges small island developing states (SIDS) inclusive of Maldives faced, the minister requested assistance from global leaders in the state’s efforts towards improved sustainability in fisheries.

While speaking about the challenges Maldives faced, the minister highlighted that the country depended on imports for everything, except for fish and noted the higher freight and labor costs.

Shiyam also highlighted the significant expenditure state incur in importing the ingredients used in productions, and the higher import tariffs.

“Our vulnerabilities leave us behind in the globalized world. We must collectively remove trade barriers, particularly for fragile and vulnerable countries such small island developing states (SIDS) like the Maldives,” the minister added.

He also noted that due to the conditions imposed on the Maldives, the country is “forced to sell raw materials to the global market for further processing”, and said the government intends to change this.