In his speech at the function held this evening to mark this year’s Fishermen’s Day, President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said greater attention was needed to improve the health of young fishermen. He therefore, urged the health and the fisheries sector to work together towards this goal.
President Waheed noted that the traditional fishing techniques have now evolved. He said, while in the past fishermen wake up at dawn, collect bait and return to their islands after a full day’s work, today’s fishermen spend whole weeks out in the seas.
In his speech, President Waheed highlighted the increase in number of young fishermen. He added that it was important that these young fishermen have the necessary knowledge – such as impact of climate change on fishing and the biology of fishes.
Continuing in this regard, President Waheed said today’s fishing industry does not limit to pole and line fishing, and that a range of career opportunities including microbiology, accounting, and management are now available in the fishing industry. Moreover he said, as the aquaculture industry broadens, job opportunities in fish farming, methods to control fish diseases, and fish processing were expected to increase.
President Waheed, in his speech, acknowledged that the fishing industry has immensely improved over the years. He further said even though the Maldives tuna industry had declined since 2007, signs of improvement could now be seen.
Furthermore, the President said introducing aquaculture, industrial fish farming and introducing new aquaculture products are of paramount importance to the advancement of the fishing industry.
President also stressed adoption of environmentally friendly fishing techniques were needed to develop Maldives fishing industry sustainably.
