Maldives Fishermen’s Association

http://mfa.org.mv/

The Maldives Fishermen’s Association (MFA) was formed on 8 April 1993 as a non-governmental organization. The aim of MFA is to develop the Maldivian fishing industry by educating fishermen, providing incentives, facilitating market options, gathering and disseminating information about new technologies. The association has close collaboration with intergovernmental bodies as well as regional and international associations such as International Pole and Line Foundation, International Cooperative Fishery Organization, and International Cooperative Alliance.

Mission:

-To empower local fishers to play a vital role in the development of fisheries industry in Maldives by encouraging them to increase participation in policy work and engage at technical      levels.

-Assist fishers to develop mutually beneficial relationship with management,  educate them of technological developments in the fisheries sector, and improve their social wellbeing.

Vision:

- To make every fisherfolk as an important part of the development of the fisheries industry, and educate them with the best knowledge of technological and managerial skills.

Background & Context

Maldives is a traditional tuna fishing nation dating back centuries. Fisheries have been the mainstay of economy, providing employment, livelihood and dietary protein before the inception of tourism. Still, fishing is still an important economic activity carried throughout the islands and fishery products contribute most of the export earnings to the country.

Although the traditional fishing method of pole and line remained relatively unchanged, steady improvements in efficiency and size of the vessels enabled the fishermen to venture further fishing. Tuna catches have also increased due to modernisation, producing record catches of over the years. However there is a declining trend, from 100,000 tons in 2006 to around 85,000 tons in the recent years.

Traditional ‘Maldive Fish’ (dried fish) is no longer the only exported fish product after improvements in post-harvest sector. Value-addition of the catch is now extremely important for generating additional revenue and creating job opportunities. Local canning factories, processing and fresh-packing facilities, fish meal plants requires regular supplies of good quality fresh tuna. Keeping the harvest in fresh condition is extremely important from the time of catch to the processor.

Most fishermen are unaware about the importance of keeping the catch in fresh condition onboard the vessel. Fishermen still use conventional method of depending on visual cues to locate fishing grounds. Schools are now located with the help of fish-aggregating devices deployed for the role of seabirds or dolphins. Education and training of fishermen is vital to help them to better understand and interpret  information provided by modern technology.

The Association works alongside fishermen to encourage growth and develop a sustainable fishing industry in Maldives. MFA gives priority to preserve indigenous knowledge, create awareness and understanding about fishery by hosting workshops within the country. Such workshops are designed to educate, help acquire skills, facilitate alternative methods like aqua/marine culture and introduce advancements in fisheries for fishermen. The Association also participates in the governments projects and assists the policy makers by providing the on ground information from the local fishers through consultative mechanisms.

Profile of the Chairman of Maldives Fishermen’s Association

Mr. Maizan Ahmad Manik

Mr. Maizan Ahmed Manik is the Chairman of Maldives Fishermen’s Association (MFA) since 2011. Under his guidance, MFA has reached new heights in the development and education of the fisher community.  Mr. Manik is an engineer by profession, specialized in communication, and runs a business in marine communication and navigation. He has worked in many senior posts of the government of Maldives and the last post he held, when he retired in 2008, was the Deputy Executive Director, at the Ministry of Information, Arts and Culture. Mr. Maizan has received several awards including the commemorative plaque presented by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture in recognition of the work to advance the fisheries industry (2014) and the National Award of Honour in the field of fisheries; capacity building and creating community awareness in fisheries in 2015.