Fisheries Ministry Launches Study on Reef Fish and Fisheries Health 

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched a study to assess the health of reef fish populations and the wider reef fisheries sector in the Maldives.

The initiative, conducted by the Science and Research Division of the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), represents the sixth survey carried out this year and forms a key part of the government’s strategy to promote sustainable fishing practices nationwide.

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While tuna fisheries have benefitted from regular monitoring and data collection, reef fisheries have received comparatively less attention, leaving gaps in understanding of these ecosystems. The current survey aims to identify changes in reef fish populations and evaluate the state of reef fisheries across different regions of the country.

MMRI teams have visited islands in the northern, southern, and central atolls as part of this sixth survey trip, engaging directly with fishermen and analysing freshly caught specimens. Fieldwork includes recording fish size and weight, documenting the types of fishing gear and vessels used, and assessing the effort involved in each fishing expedition, providing a detailed overview of local fishing practices.

The data collected is expected to enhance understanding of the impact of fishing on reef ecosystems and provide a foundation for evidence-based fisheries management.

In addition to the survey, the ministry is preparing to launch a series of biological studies on reef fish, examining reproductive patterns and age structures to monitor population health. Efforts are also underway to establish the necessary laboratory infrastructure to support these studies.