Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has revealed the aim of the government's intention to boost the adoption of renewable energy sources in fish processing operations. The remarks were made by the minister during the inaugural session of the globally renowned Info Fish World Tuna Conference.
Speaking regarding the export of fish products, Minister Shiyam disclosed that approximately 100,000 skipjack tuna are caught while 60% are exported unprocessed. However, the minister reiterated the goal of increasing the percentage of processed fish products and diversifying the fish products which are exported. He also revealed his ambitious vision of gaining new international markets and enhancing employment prospects for Maldivians.
Emphasising that the Maldives is a nation which practises sustainable fishing, Minister Shiyam underscored the crucial importance of ensuring the fishing industry of the nation is environmentally friendly. The minister stressed the significance of introducing new measures to reduce the adverse impacts of fishing on the environment, hence utilising sources of renewable energy. He stated that the primary objective of the administration is to guarantee that 35% of the energy utilised in fish processing facilities is converted to renewable energy within a timeframe of five years.
The government has initiated efforts to increase the amount of renewable energy within the fishing industry. Therefore, decisions have been made to enhance the existing fish processing facility located in Felivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll by incorporating an additional section that will utilise renewable energy.
Furthermore, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu affirmed his commitment to significantly increase the required electricity generated from 4% to 33% by the end of his tenure. Under this initiative, the administration has announced to establish renewable energy systems in 160 islands across the nation.