The Maldives participated in the Global Seafood Marketplace held in Barcelona from 21 to 23 April, with representation from the Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation (MFROMPC) and several local industry players.

The event, one of the world’s largest seafood exhibitions, brought together businesses across the global fisheries sector and provided Maldivian exporters with opportunities to connect with international investors and buyers. Participating companies included Horizon Fisheries, Ensis Fisheries, Blue Salt Water, and Big Fish Maldives.

A special event titled “From Maldives to the World” was also held, featuring Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Director of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Josh Madeira, and MIFCO’s Strategic Consultant Athif Shakoor. The session included a panel discussion highlighting the importance of sustainable fishing practices and responsible fisheries management.

Speaking at the event, Minister Shiyam said the country’s success in maintaining sustainable fisheries is rooted in long-standing traditions and strong policy frameworks. He highlighted continued investments in monitoring systems, regulatory measures, and environmentally responsible fishing practices.

Maldivian tuna fisheries received a “Best Choice” rating under the latest update from the Seafood Watch programme, widely used by seafood buyers in the United States and other markets. The update assigned a green rating to Maldivian fisheries, indicating that the seafood is environmentally sustainable, well-managed, and sourced with minimal impact on marine ecosystems.

Under the latest assessment, both skipjack tuna and yellowfin tuna recorded green scores of 4.436.

Earlier assessments had raised concerns over declining tuna stocks, leading to sourcing advisories in 2017. However, updated guidance now recognises Maldivian tuna fisheries as sustainable.

The Maldives’ pole-and-line skipjack tuna fishery holds Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, with yellowfin tuna fisheries also certified as of March this year. This places the Maldives among a limited number of countries where the entire tuna fishery is certified.