What The Fish? Today is World Fisheries Day?!

It is indeed very hard to keep track of International Days and Observances, because there is just so many! If not of the invention of calendars, I would have not known that today is marked as the World Fisheries Day, and perhaps if I did not, you would not have known either.

World Fisheries Day is celebrated due to a global movement led by small-scale fishermen from across the world to protect the diverse sea life and their human rights. The movement took place on 21^st November 1997, whereas ever since, World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) have commemorated the day as World Fisheries Day. and even in times of the COVID-19 crisis, they continue the tradition of raising their voices today. The year is a difficult period of time for fishing communities across the globe which has been deeply impacted the strict lock-down measures arising from the pandemic.

In celebrating the World Fisheries Day, we must note that conserving and sustainably using the ocean’s resources are urgent and must absolutely be fast-tracked. We must work hand-in-hand to end overfishing, illegal fishing and the overcapacity of fishing fleets causing not just environmental issues but also social justice issues.

Fishing is the second largest economic country carried out Maldives, and is considered as the lifeblood of our people. Local stake-holding authorities are committed to ensure the practice of sustainable and responsible fishing. In this regard, the most common type of fishing you can find in the country is the environmental friendly method of Pole and Line. Fish and fish-based products which are locally made are available for local use and is also exported in bulk amounts.