The Fisheries Ministry is looking at innovative ways through which the local industry can contribute more towards the economy.

Permanent Secretary, Sanaila Naqali, says the fisheries sector plays an important part in our GDP and they want to increase this contribution.

“We export about three hundred to four hundred millions dollars’ worth of fisheries products overseas and this has returns to our nation’s economy. The sector contributes two point eight to two point nine percent towards GDP. We are working on the other things that has not been captured and show how much more we can contribute and why it’s a sector that should be protected."

Naqali says around sixty percent of the people living along the coastal areas depend on the sea for their livelihood.

The Ministry says they are now working with fishermen and seafood companies to ensure they are able to adapt to good fishing techniques.