The Japanese government is committed to continuously supporting the fishery sector in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and BARMM's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR). Japan has provided a $4.79-million grant to help develop the aquaculture and fishery industries in the Bangsamoro region, which supplies 30% of the country's fish production and is among the top suppliers of fish and marine products of the country. However, the region faces challenges such as high post-harvest losses, declining production, and underutilized waters, which are impacting the sector. To address these issues, FAO is implementing initiatives such as providing technical support, training, and infrastructure development to empower local fishing communities. Stated by the Japanese embassy, this also includes training to improve the monitoring and fish stocks management among MAFAR and local government units.

Source: The Philstar

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the World Sustainability Organization (WSO) have signed an agreement to endorse Friend of the Sea as an IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) sub-scope. Friend of the Sea, a certification program promoting sustainable marine practices, will now be recognized under the IAF's Product Certification standard (ISO/IEC 17065). This enables mutual recognition of accredited certification for the scheme, facilitating acceptance in multiple markets with a single accreditation.

IAF Chair Emanuele Riva emphasized the partnership’s role in supporting sustainable practices and responsible sourcing in global seafood supply chains. Paolo Bray, Founder of Friend of the Sea, stated that this endorsement boosts the credibility of their certification, combating greenwashing and providing consumers with trustworthy sustainability certification.

Source:https://iaf.nu/en/news/iaf-and-wso-sign-scheme-endorsement-agreement/

The Maldives government will establish a state-owned company, namely the Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation, to promote and market the country’s fisheries products locally and internationally. Announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu after a Cabinet meeting, the initiative aims to boost profits for fisheries enterprises, including aquaculture and mariculture, explore new markets and promote Maldivian fisheries products internationally as premium items under a unique Maldivian brand. The new company is part of the administration's Haftha 14 roadmap and will replace the existing Maldives Fisheries Promotion Board.

Source:  https://raajje.mv/146877