Parliament debates motion on Yellowfin Tuna weighing delays
MP Ziyadh said the issue had resulted in significant quantities of fish remaining unprocessed on fishing vessels.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) submitted an emergency motion to the Parliament on Wednesday over the delays in weighing Yellowfin Tuna catches, citing concerns from fishermen and the potential loss of fish at sea.
The motion was submitted by Vikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyadh and received the backing of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group. The motion was accepted with 40 votes in favour.
In his motion, MP Ziyadh said the issue had resulted in significant quantities of fish remaining unprocessed on fishing vessels. He estimated that more than 120 tonnes of large fish were currently being stored on boats, waiting in long queues, which could lead to spoilage.
Ziyadh noted that each time fish yields increase, fishermen face delays due to a lack of capacity to weigh or process the catch. He also criticised the government for not fulfilling commitments made during the presidential campaign, including a promise by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to revise the purchasing mechanism for fish through the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) and to ensure a buying price of MVR 100 per kilogram.
The MP highlighted that the fishing industry supports a large segment of the population and said continued difficulties in the sector would have broader social and economic consequences. He urged the government to take immediate measures to address the issue and fulfil the commitments made to the fishing community.
