The Government of Maldives has formally launched From Maldives, a new national fisheries promotional brand that highlights how the country’s sustainable fishing practices are part of the country’s culture. It also emphasizes how the local fisheries sector aims to be technologically advanced, socially inclusive, and globally competitive.
The country has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to foster a resilient and eco-friendly fisheries sector in both countries.
Much of Maldivian tuna is caught using an iconic pole-and-line methodology without hooks that leaves most of the school intact instead of catching up whole populations and bycatch. Though the fishing methodology is uniquely sustainable, the country has struggled to capitalize on that sustainability in global markets, having to compete on price with tuna operations whose fishing tactics were far worse for biodiversity and fishing populations.
The new brand is part of an effort to address that issue. It features a logo inspired by the traditional Maldivian fishing vessel design that symbolizes the country’s enduring connection to the ocean while embracing the tools and standards required to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market.
Under this initiative, the Maldives is expanding its processing capacity, investing in cold storage infrastructure, and modernizing its fleet with energy-efficient vessels and digital monitoring systems. These upgrades are designed to strengthen traceability, improve catch quality, and enhance market access, particularly for premium and sustainability-conscious consumers.
This initiative forms part of the government’s wider agenda to generate greater value from marine resources, expand livelihood opportunities, and build a resilient blue economy grounded in equity, innovation, and ocean stewardship.
Part of Maldives’ efforts are expected to be realized through the MoU with India which will promote sustainable tuna and deep-sea fisheries, strengthen aquaculture and sustainable resource management, foster fisheries-based eco-tourism, and support innovation and scientific research across both countries.
Key areas of collaboration include value chain development, mariculture advancement, trade facilitation, and capacity building within the fisheries sector. The Maldives will scale up its fish processing capabilities and strengthen the aquaculture sector through hatchery development, improved production efficiency, and the diversification of cultured species.
The MOU also will facilitate training and knowledge exchange programs, with a focus on capacity building in aquatic animal health, biosecurity screening, aquaculture farm management, and specialized technical fields such as refrigeration, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering to support long-term skills development within the sector.
