The Maldives’ Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has intensified efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices with the second phase of the Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) Financing initiative. Last week, the Ministry conducted field visits and public awareness sessions in Laamu Atoll to highlight the project's benefits.

Funded by the Islamic Development Bank Group and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, the initiative aims to empower local fishermen by providing access to advanced technology.

Refrigerated Sea Water systems installed on fishing vessels will help reduce physical labour, travel times, and operational costs.

Additionally, these systems ensure the preservation of catch quality, reducing reliance on traditional ice storage.

The RSW project is part of broader efforts to support self-sustainability within the Maldivian fishing community, a critical sector of the nation’s economy. By equipping fishermen with modern tools, the Ministry aims to streamline operations while improving sustainability and economic resilience.