Recruiting Maldivians to fisheries sector remains a challenge, says Shiyam

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said that attracting Maldivians to work in the fisheries sector remains a challenge despite efforts to increase local participation.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Wednesday, Shiyam was asked about government initiatives to reduce reliance on foreign workers in the fisheries and agriculture sectors.

In response, the minister said encouraging Maldivians to enter primary industries continues to be difficult, particularly in the fishing industry.

“This is especially true for fisheries. Fishing is a unique profession. Our hand-line and pole-and-line fishing methods are not widely practised elsewhere,” Shiyam said.

He noted that the sector was once staffed largely by Maldivians but said the main challenge today is attracting locals back into the industry.

The minister said the government has launched programmes aimed at increasing interest among young people.

According to Shiyam, a pilot initiative recently placed five young Maldivians on five fishing vessels. He said all five participants chose to continue working on the vessels after completing the programme.

The government plans to expand the initiative later this year, he added.

Shiyam also spoke about factors that contributed to the decline in local participation in the fishing sector.

He said fishermen had historically received limited recognition from state institutions despite their contribution to the economy.

According to the minister, many fishermen spent decades working at sea but were not formally recognised by government systems.

“They could not access services available to others because there was no formal recognition of their profession,” Shiyam said.

He noted that challenges included difficulties in obtaining loans and accessing financial services.

The minister said the government has now established a national registry for fishermen, allowing them to be formally recognised by government agencies and financial institutions.

Shiyam added that the registry is intended to improve access to services and support for those working in the sector.

He also said there are indications that more people are returning to the fishing industry as awareness grows about income opportunities within the sector.

The minister said increasing local participation in both fisheries and agriculture remains a government objective and will require continued effort in the years ahead.