Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has emphasised that adhering to fishing quotas is a key strategy for increasing state revenue. He made the statement during an interview with PSM News following his participation in the 36th session of the G16 Like-Minded States of the Indian Ocean.
During the session, Minister Shiyam highlighted the significance of such meetings, noting that the participation of various countries demonstrates a collective commitment to protecting ocean resources. He also announced that the Maldives will host a similar meeting in the near future, providing a platform for these nations to strengthen their voices within the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Shiyam underscored the importance of these discussions for the Maldives, a strong advocate of sustainable fisheries. He mentioned that other countries could benefit from the Maldives' approach to fisheries management. The upcoming meeting will focus on discussing fishing quotas for Indian Ocean countries, with Minister Shiyam expressing hope that the quotas will be set fairly, taking into consideration the fisheries sector of each nation.
Additionally, Minister Shiyam emphasised that adhering to these quotas is crucial for long-term sustainability, warning that failure to do so could have negative consequences. He noted by fishing within the assigned quotas, the state can not only secure its current revenue but also create opportunities to increase its quotas in the future.
The government has raised concerns about the country's current fishing levels, which currently fall short of meeting the IOTC's quota of 47,000 tonnes for tuna fisheries. In response, the government plans to implement strict regulations on line fishing to ensure the quota is met. Efforts are also underway to involve more locals in the fishery, with regulated line fishing set to commence in February.