Maldives Registers Over 300 Vessels Under National Fishermen’s Registry

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced that more than 300 fishing vessels are now registered under the newly established National Fishermen’s Registry. Introduced on February 16, 2024, the registry currently includes 305 vessels, providing registered fishermen streamlined access to financial resources and government support in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to advancing the fisheries sector.

In an earlier statement, State Minister for Fisheries Dr. Hussain Shinan outlined the objective of the registry: to ensure all fishing vessels are officially documented. Dr. Shinan emphasized that only fishermen on this registry are eligible to apply for government loans, intended to strengthen the fishing industry and support its workers. The list is a part of the administration’s larger strategy to revitalize the Maldives' fisheries sector, an industry that had faced challenges in recent years.

Among the government’s recent fisheries initiatives are the launch of loan programs for fishermen, a system enabling dhonis (traditional fishing boats) to produce ice using saltwater, and the establishment of the fishermen’s registry. These steps have been warmly received by many in the industry, with fishermen noting that long-standing challenges are now being addressed.