Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has called for urgent national-level action to mitigate the growing impacts of climate change on the marine environment and fisheries sector.

Speaking on the occasion of World Oceans Day, Minister Shiyam stressed that while global cooperation is essential in addressing the climate crisis, nations must also take responsibility at home. He highlighted that the Maldives, as a nation heavily reliant on the ocean, must act swiftly and decisively to protect its marine resources.

“We must be prepared at a national level to reduce the effects of climate change,” Shiyam said. “Along with individual responsibility in preserving our marine environment, we need to recognize the blue economy as a vital part of our future and work to strengthen industries that rely on the ocean to increase economic returns.”

He pointed to climate change as one of the biggest challenges facing the fisheries industry, noting that warming seas and shifting ecosystems are driving fish populations farther into remote and deep-sea areas. This, he explained, disrupts traditional fishing practices, including those using dhoni and athana, and shortens the effective fishing season, placing stress on local livelihoods.

“As we celebrate World Oceans Day, we must acknowledge that the health of our oceans and marine life is directly connected to our way of life,” said the Minister. “Nature has given us the ocean as a gift—both to feed us and to generate income.”