Maldives Showcases Fisheries Sector at Global Seafood Marketplace 2026

A special panel discussion was held in Barcelona during the Global Seafood Marketplace 2026 to promote the Maldivian fisheries sector on the global stage.

The session formed part of the three-day international event, which brought together participants from numerous countries. The Maldives was represented by the Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, along with several companies operating in the fisheries industry.

Participating organisations included the Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation(MFMC), Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), Horizon Fisheries Pvt Ltd, Ensis Fisheries Pvt Ltd, Blue Solutions Pvt Ltd, and Big Fish Maldives Pvt Ltd.

The Maldives hosted a dedicated panel titled “From Maldives to the World”, featuring Ahmed Shiyam, Josh Madeirafrom the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Athif Shakoor, a strategic consultant for MIFCO. The discussion focused on key challenges and opportunities within the Maldivian fisheries sector, including sustainable fishing practices, strategies for accessing global markets, and increasing value addition across the industry.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the panel was organised to showcase the Maldives’ fisheries sector following a sustainability rating awarded to Maldivian tuna fisheries by Seafood Watch. This marks the first time the programme has granted such a designation to a specific country’s tuna fishery.

Under the latest ratings published by Seafood Watch, Maldivian tuna fisheries have been classified as sustainable and awarded the highest “Best Choice” rating. While sustainability concerns remain in parts of the Indian Ocean, Maldivian tuna products have been recommended as a preferred option for buyers in global seafood markets, highlighting the country’s growing recognition for responsible fishing practices.