Govt to switch 35% fish processing energy to renewable means

Maldives government aims to shift 35% of fuel-based fish processing activities to renewable sources in the next five years, announced the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam on Monday.

The Minister made the remarks during his speech at the 18th Infofish World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition at Bangkok, Thailand.

Minister Shiyam officiated the exhibition, and shared the fisheries industry vision under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.

In his speech, the minister higlighted ongoing state efforts to seek prospective blue economy opportunities besides traditional fishing activities.

"The fisheries activity in the Maldives is regarded as one of the most sustainable fishing practices globally, and the current vision for the Maldivian fisheries industry is to shift to renewable energy sources in all the stages of fisheries (from fishing to process) and reduce reliance on fossil fuel," Minister Shiyam said.

"It is imperative to ensure the fisheries activities in the Indian Ocean, follow sustainable practices. Fishing is an important industry for the Maldives both economically and socially, so it is vital that the industry progresses as a sustainable one," Shiyam added.

The 18th edition of the Infofish World Tuna Conference and Exhibition launched on Monday, will last until Wednesday this week.

The ministry said it would receive opportunities to highlight the challenges in establishing sustainable fisheries activities, and provide presentations on fisheries activities using technological advancements and the latest state-of-the-art equipment.