The newly planned sports fishing habours will be equipped with state of the art facilities, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said.
Minister Shiyam made these remarks at the inauguration of the International Sports Fishing Championship "Burunu Boma".
Burundi Boma is an international sports fishing tournament organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) employees club, Visit Maldives Club, VMCto be held in April and May.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ahmed Shiyam said the government aims to further expand the sector as the popularity of sports fishing is at an all time high.
Despite its popularity, Minister Shiyam noted the lack of facilities, but revealed the government’s plan to expand the sector by developing special facilities for sports fishing in five regions of the country.
“The President’s vision is to provide solutions to this growing sports fishing community in the country, as well as to make these harbours fully equipped with the modern facilities for sports fishing enthusiasts throughout the world,” he said.
The administration has identified five regions for the development of these harbours which will feature facilities such as fish stalls, spaces to organise and manage sports fishing competitions, administrative offices, restaurants, cafés, shops selling fishing gear, and BBQ areas.
The Burunu Boma tournament is held for the local tourism industry and international sports fishing enthusiasts. The sports fishing tournament will be held in accordance with international standards which will also include sustainable fishing promotion techniques such as catch and release.