Fisheries industry suffers due to false rumours: fisheries minister

Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee stated the spreading of misinformation was the basis of distress experienced in the Maldivian fisheries industry.

While speaking at a press conference, Dr. Shainee stated that the fisheries industry will prove itself to be of precedence but that it only will be made possible through sustainable means. He disappointedly pointed out that politicians with the moral obligation to address the industry have not been upholding it.

Dr. Shainee's statement was aimed at the opposition coalition's presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu)'s statements towards the fisheries industry. While speaking at an opposition coalition campaign stop in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ibu stated that there are 100 unlicensed foreign sea vessels fishing from Maldivian seas. Ibu pledged to provide marine security in order to protect the Maldivian seas from any illegal foreign vessels, should he come to power.

Responding to these comments, Dr. Shainee pointed out the discontinued authorization of foreign vessels to fish in Maldivian seas since the early 2000's. However, the sea vessels that were given authorization before the discontinuation, carried out their trials. Furthermore, he stated that the current government does not have the authority to permit foreign vessels to fish in Maldivian seas.

"No foreign vessels will be permitted to fish in Maldivian seas", said Dr. Shainee.

Additionally, Dr. Shainee refuted Ibu's claims of unauthorized foreign vessels in Maldivian seas and vehemently claimed the vessels currently in Maldivian seas as being 100 percent Maldivian.

"Previously, the authorization of sea vessels was available through a localized system. However, the regulations were changed in order for it to cater only to local vessels. The new regulation stipulates the revoking of the old licenses, as well as the changing of its ownership. The current government is the first to implement regulations as such", said Dr. Shainee.

"Spreading of misinformation like this by a fellow Maldivian is unacceptable. These actions affect the fisheries industry negatively", said Dr. Shainee.

Continuing his speech, Dr. Shainee stated the Maldivian sea vessels fishing in the Indian Ocean as subscribing to an extremely delicate market, and that any hindrances faced by the market will gravely affect the fishermen of Maldives.

Therefore, Dr. Shainee urged everyone to refrain from spreading any misinformation about the fisheries industry.