Maldives is on course to fully digitising its fisheries data collection systems in efforts to blend tradition with technology to future-proof one of the world’s most sustainable fisheries, the Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Aminath Hussain Shareef has said.
Speaking during the ongoing Third United Nations Ocean Conference being held in Nice, France, Aminath shared how the Maldives is blending tradition with technology to future-proof one of the world’s most sustainable fisheries.
From adopting selective fishing techniques and upgrading fleets with RSW systems, to digitising data and investing in electronic monitoring, the Maldives is leading by example, she said.
Highlighting the significance of the fishing industry to the Maldives, the State Minister said the fishing industry shares 11 percent of the country’s entire labour force while fisheries accounts for 90 percent of Maldives’ total exports.
Efforts to fully digitise the fisheries data collection system would enable near real-time data reporting, she said.
“In the Maldives, we are expanding our national fisheries information system to fully digitise fisheries data collection, enabling real-time data reporting,” she explained.
In line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision, Aminath said the Maldives is committed to transitioning towards a new generation of fishing vessels, equipped with Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems which has already led to an increase in fish quality and operational performance.
“The future belongs to those who fish smarter, not harder,” she noted - underscoring the importance of science, innovation, and regional cooperation in shaping the future of ocean governance.