SAARC member states have agreed to establish a dedicated regional platform for marine fisheries management under the revitalisation of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, with the aim of finding solutions to challenges facing the fisheries sector.
The decision was reached during a meeting held to strengthen regional cooperation among SAARC member states for the sustainable management of marine fishery resources.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, Mohamed Muththalib, welcomed the delegates to the Maldives and stressed the importance of regional collaboration, information sharing and the adoption of innovative approaches. He noted that these efforts are essential to ensure marine resources continue to support regional food security, sustainable livelihoods and economic prosperity.
According to the Ministry, the regional consultative meeting brought together delegates from SAARC member states to exchange information and experiences, while discussing the challenges and opportunities facing commercially important marine fish species.
The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen regional cooperation to sustainably manage and develop commercially important marine fish stocks. The Ministry added that participants also agreed to establish a dedicated regional platform for marine fisheries management under the revitalisation of the SAARC Agriculture Centre as part of efforts to address challenges facing the fisheries sector.
The sessions focused on developing a coordinated regional roadmap to tackle common challenges, including overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the impacts of climate change and the degradation of marine ecosystems.
The Ministry said discussions also covered sustainable fisheries management, adding value to marine fish products, improving market access, ensuring food security and increasing women's participation in the fisheries sector.
It further noted that participants discussed strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable fisheries management. In addition, work is under way to prepare country-specific action plans for commercially important fish species, alongside a regional report outlining key challenges and strategic recommendations.