Yellowfin tuna fishermen's union calls for removal of 2-tonne daily ice limit
Many yellowfin tuna fishing vessels sell their catch to private buyers rather than MIFCO, citing the prices offered by the company.
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The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union has called on the government to remove the current limit on daily ice sales for yellowfin tuna fishing vessels, saying the existing allocation is insufficient for fishing operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, the union urged the government to ensure an uninterrupted supply of ice in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to improve services for the fisheries sector.
Last month, the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company introduced a policy limiting the sale of ice to two tonnes per day for vessels that do not weigh and sell their catch to the state-owned fisheries company.
Many yellowfin tuna fishing vessels sell their catch to private buyers rather than MIFCO, citing the prices offered by the company.
The union said the restriction had been introduced during a period of low catches, creating additional challenges for fishermen.
It also raised concerns about the operation of ice plants around the country, stating that some facilities have been unable to supply ice because of fuel shortages and other operational issues.
"The regulatory change restricting MIFCO ice plants to selling only two tonnes of ice per boat per day has made it difficult for fishermen to go out to sea. Two tonnes of ice per day is insufficient for yellowfin tuna fishermen. We request a revision of this regulation to ensure an adequate supply of ice so that fishermen can continue their operations without disruption," the union said.
The union also referred to President Muizzu's pledge to ensure a continuous supply of ice for fishermen and called on the government to implement measures that would allow fishermen to obtain the service without interruption.
