Lucy Unwin, September 2023
SFACTs newest scholar, Adam Ziyad, has just embarked on his PhD studies at the University of Wollongong, Australia under the supervision of Professor Quentin Hanich.
Mr. Ziyad is a Maldivian national who has worked in the Fisheries Department of the Maldives’ Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture since 2003, holding roles such as Director of Fisheries Compliance, Assistant Director of Fisheries Management and Director General. During this time, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in applied science (Fisheries Management) and a Master’s Degree in Coastal and Marine Resources Management. He also serves as the Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), overseeing both the sustainable development and management of the fisheries sector.
Mr. Ziyad played a key role in establishing the Fisheries Management Unit, which set out to revamp the fisheries management framework in the Maldives. He led the formulation of licensing regimes for fishing vessels, fish processing facilities, and aquaculture establishments. Additionally, he implemented a catch documentation scheme for tuna exports, as well as establishing a Vessel Monitoring System and a comprehensive inspection and monitoring regime. Mr. Ziyad also contributed to the establishment of logbook-based catch and effort reporting, along with the digitization of licensing arrangements through the Fisheries Information System (FIS).
Mr. Ziyad’s extensive experience in fisheries management and his understanding of the market is what motivates him to pursue a PhD on the potential of the IOTC to become an effective Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO). He recognises the need for a fully functioning IOTC in order to remedy the critical state of the three tropical tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean: Bigeye, Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna. As tuna is a vital resource for food security, income, and livelihoods in Maldivian communities, he is conducting his research with the aim to use it’s findings to provide valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing the IOTC’s role in preserving and sustainably managing tuna stocks throughout the region.
To meet the other scholars that are receiving funding from SFACT and to find out more about their work, visit the ‘Advancing Education‘ page on our website.
