Dr. Mohamed Shainee
Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture
Agriculture & Fisheries / Maldives
“Our fisheries are small but premium”
Can you describe the importance of fishing for the Maldivian people?
My father, my grandfather, and my great grandfather were fishermen. Our people and the sea are inseparable. Almost all of our forefathers were fishermen and today fishing is still the livelihood for those who live in the outer islands. Fish is also their main source of protein.
What makes Maldives fishing unique?
The Maldives has an age-old fishery industry. You would be hard-pressed to find fishing that is more sustainable. It is 80% pole-and-line fishing, very selective, without nets, and nothing caught is thrown away. While illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing became so common around us, we remain steadfast to our ways.
We cannot charge as low as those who harm the sharks and use bait cages that catch everything in the net. We are looking for niche markets, such as the Middle East, where buyers appreciate the sustainability and the social value attached to our fishing industry. Our fisheries are small but premium. We just want it to continue to be sustainable, and affordable for our local fishermen.
How does the Fisheries Promotion Board contribute to this industry?
Fishing was commonly perceived as a means of getting food, but not a business. We made people understand that fishing is an economically viable activity. We are tapping into new resources, offering new products, and paving the way for new markets.
The FPB seeks to cement the country’s position in the world fisheries market, at the premium level. We are exploring different new markets. We started with Boston, Brussels, China, the Middle East, and other markets that held fairs. I personally visited all the fairs in the first year to offer our assurance as a government and a ministry, to continue our sustainable fisheries, as we gain recognition for our sector and our fishermen.
