The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has emphasized the need for urgent action to address the key challenges facing the Maldivian fishing industry, with plans underway to implement solutions.

Speaking on a state media program, Minister Shiyam noted that while the fishing industry has modernized significantly, the facilities and infrastructure that provide essential services to fishermen remain underdeveloped, creating obstacles in their day-to-day operations.

The Minister highlighted several pressing issues, including difficulties in weighing fish, shortages of ice, and inadequate fish processing facilities. He explained that these challenges are the result of long-term neglect in the sector and stressed the importance of upgrading facilities to match the advancements in fishing techniques and equipment used by fishermen today.

One of the biggest concerns, according to the Minister, is the outdated infrastructure of MIFCO, a key organization relied upon by fishermen. He stated that MIFCO’s current resources are insufficient to meet the demands of the industry. However, he expressed confidence that improving MIFCO's infrastructure would significantly alleviate many of the challenges fishermen face.

The Minister assured that there are promising opportunities and initiatives being explored to bring about necessary changes, saying, “We have very big doors open to find solutions.”

The government’s commitment to addressing these long-standing issues aims to ensure a more sustainable and efficient fishing industry, which remains a cornerstone of the Maldivian economy.