The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has initiated a wide-ranging study aimed at assessing the health of reef fish populations and the broader reef fisheries sector. Conducted by the Science and Research Division of the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), this marks the sixth such survey undertaken this year, forming a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to promote sustainable fishing practices across the island nation.
While tuna fisheries have long benefitted from consistent monitoring and data collection, reef fisheries have remained comparatively underexamined. Research Assistant Shimhaz Wafir, speaking to PSM News, noted that this imbalance has left critical gaps in understanding. The current survey, he explained, is designed to identify shifts in reef fish populations and evaluate the condition of reef fisheries across the country’s diverse regions.
To that end, MMRI teams have already travelled to islands in the northern, southern, and central parts of the country. As part of this sixth survey trip, researchers visited two islands in the north, two in the south, and one in the central region. Their fieldwork involves direct engagement with fishermen, who provide freshly caught specimens for analysis.
Measurements of fish size and weight are recorded on site, alongside detailed information about the gear and vessels used. Researchers also document the level of effort involved in each fishing expedition, building a comprehensive picture of local fishing practices.
Wafir expressed confidence in the long-term value of the initiative. The data collected, he said, will deepen understanding of how local fisheries affect reef ecosystems and will serve as a foundation for evidence-based management.
In addition to the survey, the ministry is preparing to launch a series of biological studies focused on reef fish. These investigations will examine reproductive patterns and age determination, key indicators of population health. Work is underway to establish the necessary laboratory infrastructure to support these efforts, the minister added.