The fishing industry can be sustained if more young people enter the sector, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam has stated.
The Minister made the remarks at a ceremony to hand over certificates to the youths selected for the Youth Internship Programme, which aims to increase youth participation in the fishing industry.
In his address, Minister Shiyam emphasised the value of a fisherman’s work and stressed the importance of young people approaching the work with diligence and commitment. He noted that local youth must dominate local fishing boats instead of relying on foreign workers.
The Minister said that the programme will provide participants the opportunity to learn the work and earn a good income. The government would also work to create additional opportunities for young people in the fisheries sector, both in the Maldives and abroad.
Five young people are undertaking the programme and will gain hands-on experience aboard fishing vessels over a three-month period. The Ministry of Fisheries said the boats were chosen from those that recorded the highest earnings in the Maldives over the past year. The boats are scheduled to depart for fishing next week.