Gov’t says Membership Register Will Encourage Young Fishermen

The new fishermen membership register will encourage more young people to seek a career in fisheries, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said Wednesday.

Minister Shiyam made these remarks during a panel discussion held for local fishermen to celebrate this year’s Fishermen’s Day.

During the special forum organised by the ministry to offer a platform for fishermen to share concerns and challenges, a local fisherman inquired about the benefits of the fishermen membership register.

Responding to the query, Minister Shiyam said an alarming shortage of local fishermen had been flagged during the ongoing compilation of the membership register, adding that more work needs to be done to inspire the next generation of local fishermen.

He said the membership register could be made the cornerstone under which more young people are encouraged to join the fisheries industry by generating more interest.

The minister pointed out that one of the reasons behind many youth staying clear of the fishing industry is that fishermen now are ineligible for the various soft loan schemes offered by the local banks. do not have access to various soft loan schemes available in banks.

Shiyam explained that this is down to the fact that the income of fishermen is not officially recognised by the banks due to the lack of official verification.

If the obstacle can be removed, more young people are certain to join the industry, he added.

“The State does not recognise fishermen. The banks do not recognise fishermen. Most young people are utilising the soft loans offered by the banks to meet their basic needs. So if fishermen are recognised by the State through this register, they will be eligible for such loans and young people will join this industry,” Shiyam said.

The Minister had also shared an update on the new register, saying that around 90 percent of licensed fishing vessels have already registered.

He said this register would offer much needed social and economic protection for local fishermen.

The fishermen’s forum dubbed ‘Masveringe Gunzaru” is being held from 11-13 December where it will offer a platform for local fishermen to share their concerns and hold meaningful discussions to address them.

A total 43 fishermen from 22 different islands along eight fish processing firms are participating in this year’s forum, according to the ministry.

Maldives celebrates 10 December as Fishermen’s Day and the official reception to mark the day this year has been scheduled for 13 December.