The installation of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems on fishing vessels will resolve the difficulties faced by fishermen in obtaining ice and increase their income, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam has said.
The Minister made the remarks at a joint press conference held by the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans Resources and the Lives and Livelihood Fund (LLF) to brief the media on the establishment of RSW systems.
Minister Shiyam noted that one of the main challenges facing the Maldivian fishing is the difficulty in obtaining ice and rising fuel prices.
To address these issues, the Minister emphasised the importance of introducing modern technologies such as RSW systems and providing financial assistance to fishermen. He expressed hope that such initiatives would strengthen the fisheries sector and improve fishermen’s livelihoods.
The Minister explained that the aim of the RSW project is to provide sustainable and energy-efficient technology for fishing vessels. With these systems, vessels will be able to maintain the quality of their catch independently, without relying on ice plants, he said.
"Upgrading our fishing fleet is very important today. Many vessels were built years ago and may not meet current standards. By adopting newer systems such as RSW and fuel-efficient engines, we can help our fishermen reduce waste, lower costs and improve the quality of their catch," the Minister said.
The Minister further noted that the RSW Financing Project to be established under the initiative will provide financial assistance to those who are typically unable to access conventional financing.