Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has warned that rising ocean temperatures are placing traditional Maldivian fishing practices under increasing pressure, threatening livelihoods and the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.
In a message issued on the occasion of World Oceans Day, the Minister said climate change is altering the migratory behaviour of tuna—one of the Maldives’ most economically significant fish species—by pushing them further offshore and into deeper waters. This shift, he noted, has reduced the effectiveness of traditional surface-fishing techniques, such as pole-and-line and handline fishing, which have been practiced in the Maldives for generations.
“These changes are significantly reducing the effectiveness of our traditional fishing practices,” Minister Shiyam said. “This is leading to prolonged off-seasons and adversely affecting livelihoods across the nation.”
The Minister’s remarks come amid growing concern over the impact of environmental changes on the Indian Ocean region, where warming sea temperatures are increasingly disrupting marine ecosystems.
Highlighting the country’s deep cultural and economic reliance on the ocean, Minister Shiyam described the sea as “our most vital natural resource—one that sustains our communities, drives our economy, and shapes the lives of all Maldivians.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable and science-led ocean governance, aligning with the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The initiative aims to improve scientific understanding and strengthen ocean management globally.
Under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, the Maldives is focusing on building marine data systems, enhancing research, and supporting innovation to address emerging challenges in the fisheries sector.
“As custodians of the ocean, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard its health and the biodiversity it supports for future generations,” Shiyam said.
He added that the government is also working to diversify the ocean economy through a “blue economy” framework, which promotes sustainability, equity, and innovation.
World Oceans Day is observed annually on 8 June to raise awareness of the critical role oceans play in global ecosystems and economies. This year’s theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, calls for the protection and responsible stewardship of marine resources in the face of mounting environmental pressures.
