A new study has warned that climate change could cause fish stocks in Maldivian waters to plummet by 75 percent by the end of this century.
The findings were presented by the NGO Maldives Resilient Reefs during a joint meeting of the Parliament’s Economic Affairs Committee and Environment and Climate Change Committee.
The organisation explained that as ocean temperatures rise, fish populations currently in Maldivian waters are expected to migrate toward cooler regions of the Indian Ocean. During the session, the NGO also screened a documentary featuring the experiences and concerns of fishermen from various regions regarding these environmental shifts.
"When we used to fish here, someone standing on the beach or the reef edge could see me out there with my pole. That’s how close to shore we fished. But now, we have to travel 70 or 80 miles out to sea just to find fish," one fisherman noted in the documentary.
Drawing on these firsthand accounts, the NGO highlighted that the degradation of reefs and the resulting scarcity of baitfish have forced fishermen to travel between atolls at great expense. They further noted that while fishing was previously done in shallow waters near islands, the necessity of travelling far into the open ocean has reduced actual fishing time and created significant hardships.
In response to these concerns, Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil questioned whether Maldivians should venture into the high seas using nets, given that changing ocean currents are threatening the viability of traditional pole-and-line fishing. The NGO responded by stating that global experience shows such a shift is often a failure.
"In many parts of the world where traditional fisheries were later commercialised [with industrial gear], it has largely failed. Fish stocks decline drastically," said Aminath Shaha Hashim, Executive Director of Maldives Resilient Reefs.
Shaha warned that this would harm local fishermen and destroy the international reputation and branding of the Maldives as a sustainable fishery. She argued that the solution lies in protecting at least 30 percent of the Maldives' marine areas to enhance natural resilience.
Maldives Resilient Reefs also pointed out that yellowfin tuna fishing in the north has now come to a near-complete standstill. With vessels becoming larger and the costs of fuel and operations skyrocketing, the industry is struggling to remain viable amidst dwindling catches.
The decline in the fishing industry is reflected in official statistics, which show that fish purchases by companies dropped by 60 percent in the first six months of this year. This marks the most significant downturn in Maldivian fisheries in 26 years.
