Maldives Fishers Code of Conduct
Last year, we documented the inspiring work the team at BLUE and Six Senses Laamu are doing for coral reef conservation, fishermen and sustainable tourism in the Maldives.
The coral reefs of the Maldives are what draw so many of us to this idyllic island nation. People from across the world come to these waters to dive and snorkel and to be up close and personal with marine life. Yet, the same fish that provide such a rewarding experience for tourists, with their spectacular colouring and interesting behaviours, are targeted on recreational fishing trips and eaten in restaurants.
Unfortunately, coral reef management has not kept pace with the increase in pressure from tourism and reef fish numbers are declining.
Coral reefs are fragile and complex ecosystems, so fishing on them requires careful management. The good news is that it is not too late to reverse this trend. Marine protected areas and appropriate fisheries management are both interventions that can be used to restore reefs back to their former health. This is what BLUE is trying to achieve on Laamu Atoll together with partner resort, Six Senses Laamu.
Working with local fishermen of Laamu Atoll, the resort ensures that the reef fish it serves to guests are caught in a sustainable way that minimises the impact it has on the surrounding reefs. The reef fishermen that sell their catch to the resort have now signed up to a responsible fishing “code of conduct” which ensures that they focus on catching resilient species, of a mature size using non-destructive fishing methods.
In exchange for their compliance, the resort supports these fishermen through a benefits programme by providing discounts on fishing gear and materials which enable them to fish in a sustainable way.
Now more than ever before, the Maldives needs healthy and functioning reefs that will be able to resist and recover faster from future climatic change, and conscious models like this allow for a circular approach that safeguards coral reefs, provides rewarding experiences for guests and ensures job security for fishermen.
Whilst this is the first code of conduct signed by reef fishermen in the country, BLUE hopes to take this model to other resorts across the country.
BLUE’s vision for the Maldives is a tourism market interested in sustainable and traceable seafood that benefits fishermen, businesses and the environment. If you’re interested in finding out more about this programme, you can get in touch with Vivienne Evans , who manages BLUE’s work in the Maldives: vivienne@bluemarinefoundation.com
Six Senses Laamu, Blue Marine Foundation, Maldives Resilient Reefs
Photography // Matt Porteous
Film // Matt Porteous, Tom Webster
