Fisheries Minister Stresses Need for Sustainable Use of Oceans

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has highlighted the need to protect the oceans while also using them in a sustainable way that benefits the country. His remarks came during an interview with PSM News at the Moodhu Fest event, held to mark World Oceans Day.
Minister Shiyam said the aim of Moodhu Fest was to encourage more people, especially the younger generation, to engage with the ocean. He stressed that the current generation should experience and care for the ocean so it can be passed on to future generations.

The Minister also shared that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu supports the active celebration of World Oceans Day and prioritizes addressing challenges in the fisheries sector. He noted that the President encourages decisions based on marine research. “We refer to research as the foundation of our decisions in maritime matters. We are trying to align our decisions with research,” he said.
A key highlight of Moodhu Fest was the "Discover Dive" experience, which gave 40 children the chance to dive and explore underwater life. Participants shared their excitement about seeing colorful coral reefs and fish. All children received certificates, along with event sponsors.

The event also saw the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives and included several interactive stalls. These were set up by the Ministry, other government bodies, NGOs, businesses, and food vendors, all offering ocean-related activities.
Moodhu Fest aimed not only to celebrate the oceans but to spark a deeper understanding of the need to protect them — a message that was clear throughout the day’s activities.