Govt will address fishermen’s concerns, says minister
The protest coincided with Fishermen’s Day in the Maldives. Fishermen attempted to approach Male’ in their vessels but were stopped by the Coast Guard.
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Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said on Wednesday that the government will address all concerns raised by fishermen, who staged a protest earlier in the day over unfulfilled commitments.
The protest coincided with Fishermen’s Day in the Maldives. Fishermen attempted to approach Male’ in their vessels but were stopped by the Coast Guard.
The main demands raised by the protesters include:
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For state-owned fish company MIFCO to resume purchasing large fish
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Setting minimum purchase prices of MVR 80 and MVR 100, depending on size
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Supplying fuel to fishermen at the base rate
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Improving access to ice
In a post on X, Minister Shiyam said the government would attend to the concerns. He noted that fishermen who deal in large fish have raised issues related to delayed payments from private buyers and price reductions when catches rise.
He said fishermen have asked the government to intervene and expand its role in the fish trade, and called for the implementation of the government's pledged support measures.
Shiyam added that preparations are underway to begin practical work on the government’s planned fish processing facility in Hulhumale in January.
He also highlighted that:
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Fuel has been available at the base rate through STO in the Male’ area since June last year
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At least one island in each province will be able to provide fuel at STO rates to fishermen by March
“There are better days ahead for fishing families,” he said, adding that the government intends to resolve concerns of all categories of fishermen in the Maldives.
