Minister's Message - World Oceans Day 2025

The Maldives is a nation defined by the ocean. With more than 99% of our territory consisting of the sea, our identity, economy, and way of life are inextricably tied to the marine environment. On this World Oceans Day, we celebrate the ocean as our most vital natural resource - one that sustains our communities, drives our economy, and shapes the lives of all Maldivians.

For generations, the Maldivian people have nurtured a deep connection with the ocean, practicing sustainable and environmentally conscious fishing that reflects a profound respect for nature. Our longstanding use of traditional, low-impact methods of fishing, such as the use of pole-and-line and handline, adapted over centuries and refined through modern innovation, demonstrates this commitment. As custodians of the ocean, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard its health and the biodiversity it supports for future generations.

Today, as we strive to transform and expand the fisheries sector to new heights, we are confronted by unprecedented challenges; chief among them, the impacts of climate change. Rising ocean temperatures have altered the migratory patterns of tuna, driving them further offshore and into deeper waters. This shift significantly reduces the effectiveness of our traditional fishing practices that target surface swimming tuna, leading to prolonged off-seasons and adversely affecting livelihoods across the nation.

Addressing the climate crisis requires a global response. Yet we must also take action at home; strengthening our resilience, investing in adaptation, and preparing proactively for change. At the same time, we must diversify our ocean-based economy, tapping into new opportunities through a blue economy approach that prioritises sustainability, equity, and innovation.

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development represents a global effort to bridge knowledge gaps and advance the scientific understanding necessary for effective ocean management. The Maldives is proud to support this global effort. We are working to enhance marine research, build national capacity, and develop technologies that support sustainable management of our lagoons, reefs, and wider ocean ecosystems.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has placed science and evidence-based policy at the heart of his governance agenda. Under his leadership, we are building systems to improve the collection, exchange, and use of ocean data across all marine sectors; including fisheries, tourism, and conservation. These efforts are fundamental to ensuring the long-term health of our marine environment and the sustainability of the resources it provides.

As we mark this World Oceans Day, I reaffirm the Maldives’ unwavering commitment to the protection, sustainable use, and equitable management of our ocean resources. May the efforts and policies of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu continue to ensure that the benefits we derive from our seas are preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.

Ahmed Shiyam

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources

Republic of Maldives