Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, BOBP travelled to the Maldives from 13-16 August 2022 and held meetings with the Hon'ble Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture, senior fisheries officials, representatives of fisher associations, and industries on country-specific programs to be implemented by the BOBP.

Welcoming Dr. Krishnan, Hon'ble Minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, discussed the activities proposed to be implemented by BOBP in the Maldives especially, under the BOBLME Phase II project. Appreciating the initiative of the Organization on regional science networking, Dr. Rasheed advised BOBP to facilitate the higher education of Maldivian students in agriculture and fisheries science in India. State Minister Mr. Hasan Rasheed, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminath Shafia, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

Mr. Adam Ziyad, Director General (Fisheries) held a meeting with Dr. Krishnan to further discuss the country programs and priorities and highlighted the need for bait fishery management in the country. The features of fisheries information system (FIS) of the Maldives and the scope of using the information to improve fisheries management were discussed. Mr. Ahmed Shifaz, Director; Ms. Maryam Shimla, Director (Planning), and other Senior officials of the Ministry took part in the meeting. Dr. Krishnan interacted with Dr. Shafiya Naeem, DG, Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) and senior researchers of MMRI. He also had discussion with Mr. Ismail Fauzee, CEO of MIFCO and the representatives of the fisher associations on various capacity development needs.

BOBP Director also met Dr. Shiham Adam, Director of Science and Maldives, International Pole and Line Fisheries Foundation (IPNLF); Dr. Najeeb Ali, Chief Operating Officer, Villa College, and other academicians for possible collaboration in joint activities to be undertaken in the Maldives.

Dr. Krishnan thanked the Government of Maldives for their warm hospitality, coordination, and fruitful discussions.