Project Overview Fisheries sector is a key player in the national economy providing employment, a source of protein in the diet and is the livelihood of almost all the inhabited islands. Tuna remains as the single most important export commodity of the Maldives earning about 160 million US$ a year. In 2014, it accounted for 1.7% of GDP and 11% of the labour force, and currently generates the equivalent of approximately $163 million in export revenue in 2013. The fisheries sector is challenged by several physical, technical, human resources and financial constraints which make it difficult for the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture to enable and establish sustainable development of the sector. Despite these challenges the Maldives government has a high level of commitment to manage the fisheries and is striving to achieve these objectives.