Maldives Calls for Fair Certification System for Small-Scale Fisheries at UNOC3 Side Event

Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources Aminath Hussain Shareef has called for a fair and equitable certification system that reflects the unique realities of small-scale fisheries. She delivered these remarks at a side event of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (#UNOC3) hosted by the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF), focused on market access challenges faced by small-scale fishers.

Speaking at the event, Minister Shareef highlighted the Maldives’ struggle in pushing for reforms within the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) to meet international certification standards—a burden she said should not fall solely on small island developing states (SIDS).

“We urgently need a fair, transparent, and equitable certification system—built by us, for us—one that reflects the realities of small-scale fisheries,” she said.

She welcomed the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) move to revise its ecolabelling guidelines, expressing hope that the changes would better serve nations like the Maldives that rely heavily on sustainable small-scale fishing industries.

The Minister’s remarks underscored the need for inclusive global policy frameworks that support rather than burden small-scale fishers, especially in SIDS where fishing remains a vital part of the economy and culture.