Fisheries
Located in the vast Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a country whose land area is 1%, and its ocean area is 99%. On most inhabited islands, fishing is the primary economic activity and the largest source of employment.
The Maldives’ fishing sector, which employs half the labor force and sustains most of the population, is the country’s second-largest industry after tourism. Thousands of different species of fish, from small ones like snapper, squirrel fish, and parrot fish, to enormous pelagic ones like grouper, giant trevally, and tuna, inhabit the waters of the Maldives. Fishing is a significant source of revenue for the nation, coming from both commercial and recreational fishing, and several of the islands have resorts specifically designed to accommodate recreational fishing trips.
The world’s most environmentally friendly tuna fishing is in the Maldives. A maximum sustainable yield is achieved using handlines or poles and lines with no bycatch. The Maldives Pole and Line Skipjack Fishery received certification from the Marine Stewardship Council in 2012, making it the first tuna fishery in the Indian Ocean to do so.
Opportunities for investment
Capitalize on the cleanest & greenest fishery in the world
World-renowned for its clean and green fishery, the Maldives has the finest seafood on earth. It is essential to note that Maldivian fish exports carry an additional premium since they are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Fish products from the Maldives can have a more significant influence on sustainable retail fish markets internationally. Potential traders can interact with the fisheries enterprise to purchase, process, and export all varieties of tuna products.
Fish Processing & linkages to international markets
The administration is eager to establish new ties and broaden the market for fishing products abroad. The majority of yellowfin tuna exports are currently going to a small number of markets, while about half of the skipjack catch is presently being processed in Thailand.
Investment opportunities are available for the construction of fisheries complexes, including canneries, cold storage facilities, and processing facilities for yellowfin tuna export. Foreign investors are also invited to create trade connections for the already-existing fish processing industry, particularly for the popular canned and fresh yellowfin tuna goods sold in foreign markets.
Mariculture
Mariculture development has enormous potential in the Maldives and is crucial for diversifying fisheries. Globally successful examples of mariculture of some threatened high-valued reef resources include groupers, sea cucumbers, and giant clams.
Research & development
As part of commercial mariculture operations, aquafarming, or related support facilities, the Maldives also welcome investments in research and development in coral reef organism cultivation.
