Fishermen’s protest continues as calls grow for govt action

The fishermen’s protest that began on Wednesday continued into Thursday, with participants accusing the government of failing to meet commitments made to the sector.

Fishing vessels taking part in the protest departed from Kanneli Jetty in Hulhumalé on Wednesday. The Coast Guard intervened to prevent the boats from entering the lagoon, and the vessels remained moored outside the entrance.

The protesters have three principal demands:

The Bodu Kanneli Fishermen’s Union (BKMU), which is organising the protest, described the action as peaceful and requested that no one obstruct the rights granted under the Constitution and the law. The union has also called on President Mohamed Muizzu to meet the fishermen. It said the protest would continue until the concerns raised are addressed.

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said in a post on X on Wednesday that the government would resolve all issues. He noted that fishermen dealing in large fish often face delays in receiving payments from buyers and reduced prices when catches increase.

He said fishermen have proposed that the government expand its role in the fish trade and implement earlier commitments to support the sector.

Shiyam added that preparations are underway to begin practical work on the government's planned fish processing facility in Hulhumalé in January.

He also said fuel has been available at the base rate through STO in the Malé area since June last year and that at least one island in each province will be able to supply fuel at STO rates by March.

“There are better days ahead for fishing families,” he said, adding that the government intends to resolve concerns across all fishing segments in the Maldives.