Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee has revealed discussions will be held to further expand the aquaculture sector of Maldives at the governing council meeting of Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA).
The first ever NACA meeting held in Maldives will focus on finding ways to enhance aquaculture sector of Asia Pacific region. The meeting held in Maldives will be participated by 19 member countries of NACA, according to Fisheries Ministry.
Speaking at a press conference regarding the governing council meeting of NACA, Fisheries Minister Shainee noted Maldives is chairing a meeting of the organisation for the first time since becoming a member in 2014. The Fisheries Minister said technical assistance will be provided from all member countries in discussions held to further expand the aquaculture sector of Maldives.
Moreover, the Minister revealed discussions will also be held on past efforts of the organisation and note down future collaborations and projects of NACA. The government exerts major efforts to enhance the fisheries sector of the country by participating in international fisheries organisations, noted Minister Shainee.
Senior Biologist at Marine Research Centre Hassan Shakeel will represent Maldives at the NACA meeting, according to Fisheries Ministry. The general council meeting is scheduled to held from 26 to 27 June at Mookai Hotel in Male' city.
Maldives has been the Vice Chair of NACA since 2016. The purpose of the NACA is recognising importance of fisheries in the Asia Pacific region, that aquaculture plays a vital role in the promotion and better use of fishery resources and that maintenance of a network of aquaculture centres in the region can make a significant contribution to the development of aquaculture.