The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has conducted the first national workshop dedicated to recreational fishing, drawing participation from 60 fishermen across the country. The event, held under the banner ‘Masveringe Gunzaru’, brought attention to the growing interest in sport fishing in the Maldives and the government’s intention to promote it sustainably.
The workshop served multiple purposes: to understand the challenges faced by those involved in recreational or sport fishing, to gather feedback from stakeholders, and to identify opportunities for further development. According to the Ministry, 216 applications were submitted to attend the event, from which 60 participants were selected to ensure representation from all atolls. This strong response, the Ministry said, indicates increasing national interest in recreational fishing, particularly among the youth.
Held as part of broader efforts to diversify the fisheries sector, the workshop also saw Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam highlight ongoing government support initiatives, including the loan programme facilitated by the Bank of Maldives (BML). Addressing participants, the Minister announced that 36 fishermen have so far received financial assistance through the scheme.
The loan programme, launched under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry and BML on 28 April, offers easier access to financing for those registered in the National Fishermen’s Register. The bank began issuing loans on 1 May, offering products such as personal financing, credit cards, and home loans. Notably, up to MVR 300,000 is available per person without collateral or equity requirements. For the first time in the country, repayment schedules are tailored to the seasonal nature of fishing incomes.
According to the Minister, the programme has been well-received, with 62 applications submitted since its inception. The funding is being used for a range of purposes including the purchase of fishing vessels and other fisheries-related investments, addressing long-standing challenges in accessing traditional financing options.
Recreational fishing, meanwhile, has been identified by the government as a sector with potential for economic growth. Plans are underway to develop five dedicated sports fishing harbours equipped with fish stalls, tournament administration offices, cafes, restaurants, and barbecue areas.
The Ministry stated that it intends to hold more such engagements to further strengthen the state’s collaboration with the recreational fishing community. These efforts are aligned with the government’s broader agenda to expand and diversify the fisheries industry and transform it into one of the largest income-generating sectors in the country.
