Gov’t reaffirms addressing concerns of fishermen

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has reaffirmed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to addressing the challenges and concerns of fishermen. These comments were made in a social media post following the president’s meeting with local fishermen.

In the post, Minister Shiyam expressed confidence that President Dr. Muizzu will make significant efforts to develop and enhance the fishing industry during his presidential term. He highlighted that the president had already introduced several initiatives and undertaken various measures to support the industry in his first year in office. Additionally, the minister noted that the president is committed to fostering strong collaboration with stakeholders in the fishing sector, with a particular focus on addressing the concerns of fishermen.

The government’s primary objectives in advancing the fishing industry include ensuring timely payments for fish weighed by fishermen and facilitating easier access to ice. Efforts are also underway to explore new markets for the export of local seafood products.

The administration has also launched the National Register of Fishermen, aimed at formally recognising those involved in state-approved income-generating activities, thereby aligning the profession with other recognised occupations. Furthermore, loans are being provided to support the installation of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems on fishing vessels, as well as to assist fishermen engaged in reef fishing.