The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the government of Maldives and the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue working collaboratively toward sustainable fisheries.
IPNLF has been working in the Maldives since November 2011. Working with its European members to fund specific projects, IPNLF is helping establish best practices for pole and line fishing in the Maldives. Pole and line fishing supports about 30,000 livelihoods in the Maldives and contributes more than 3 percent of the gross domestic product.
IPNLF is supporting the ministry and its Marine Research Center on implementation of their Marine Stewardship Council Client Action Plan for skipjack fishery. IPNLF is also one of the main supporters of the management strategy evaluation work of the Indian Ocean skipjack required as part of the Maldives skipjack MSC certification.
Earlier this year, the Fishermen’s Community and Training center (FCTC) opened in the Maldives. Endorsed by the government, the FCTC aims to provide long-term support for the country’s pole and line fishing communities through the provision of fisheries training and education. The FCTC was funded by the Migros Engagement Development Fund.
“The signing of this MOU is an important milestone for the government of the Maldives, IPNLF and, most crucially, the Maldivian pole and line industry. This agreement officially demonstrates our collective efforts in building a stronger and more commercially competitive pole and line fishing industry for this country,” said John Burton, IPNLF chairman.
