President Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday announced the establishment of a pioneering Fisheries College and a National Registry of Fishermen, aimed at further expanding and strengthening the fisheries sector. The announcement of establishing a fisheries college was made at the 43rd Fishermen’s Day function held on 10 December, while the decision to develop a fishermen’s registry was made at the cabinet meeting held the same day.
The Fisheries College, a first-of-its-kind institution, will be established in collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU), Muizzu stated. This initiative is part of the administration’s ‘Hafuthaa 14’ roadmap, and administrative efforts to realise the plan are already underway. A training programme will be introduced to ensure that every fishing vessel has at least one crew member certified as a “rescue diver,” Muizzu added.
In a bid to enhance fishermen’s welfare and prosperity, Muizzu also revealed plans to create a dedicated agency for advertising and promoting fish products to foreign markets under a distinctive Maldivian brand.
The decision to establish a National Registry of Fishermen was made at the cabinet meeting held on 10 December. The registry aims to ensure that fishermen and those engaged in the fisheries sector receive governmental recognition commensurate with other professions, the President’s Office said.
The discussions at the cabinet meeting focused on facilitating the fisher community’s access to banking and finance, and revitalising its connection with various government services.