The Maldives has become the first nation to secure a country-specific 'Seafood Watch' rating from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a designation poised to reshape its standing in the international blue economy. The programme’s sustainability standards serve as a primary benchmark for United States seafood vendors and international buyers. Ahmed Shiyam, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, noted that this is the first instance in the history of the Seafood Watch programme that a rating has been designated exclusively for a single country’s tuna fishery.
"This significant milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the responsible stewardship of our ocean resources," said Minister Shiyam, in a post to social media. He characterised the development as a historic international triumph following a progression of environmental milestones, including the expansion of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification to yellowfin tuna fisheries utilising both pole-and-line and handline methods. With the addition of Fair Trade certification, the entirety of the Maldivian yellowfin tuna fleet now operates as a fully MSC-certified entity.
"These achievements proudly showcase the strength, selectivity, and integrity of our traditional fishing practices, reinforcing Maldives’ leadership in ocean sustainability," Minister Shiyam asserted. He attributed the outcome to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s "vision to sustain and continuously enhance the defining characteristics of Maldivian fisheries in the global arena, and to actively work towards strengthening this position."
Officials highlighted the advancement will unlock the North American market, granting advantageous export opportunities to Maldivian seafood suppliers as the administration maintains cooperation with fishers, scientists, and industry stakeholders.