Ihavandhoo fishermen face a shortage of local crew
According to the island council, the decline in the fishing workforce became more noticeable after the government introduced the minimum wage policy in 2022.
HA. Ihavandhoo was once a centre for fisheries in the north, with the island’s fishing industry contributing to the economy of the three northern atolls. The island had a number of fishing boats operating from its harbour.
The situation has since changed, with fewer Maldivians working on fishing boats.
“Now, each boat on this island will have a maximum of two Maldivians going fishing. Some boats will have only one Maldivian,” said Moosa Ali, vice-president of the Ihavandhoo Council.
“Each boat goes fishing with 20 to 25 people, and then there are only foreigners.”
According to the island council, the decline in the fishing workforce became more noticeable after the government introduced the minimum wage policy in 2022. Following the introduction of the policy in November that year, salaries for resort employees increased.
As a result, young people on the island who had previously worked in fisheries began seeking employment at resorts.
Ihavandhoo fishermen also moved to jobs at institutions on the island, including Fenaka.
Four years ago, the island council told Dhauru that there were 19 fishing boats on the island, while 12 boats were being built.
However, the council now estimates that only about 10 fishing boats remain on the island.
“The control of the boats is in the hands of foreigners,” Moosa said.
He said that during the previous fishing season, fishermen could earn between MVR 30,000 and MVR 50,000 a month. However, fish prices have since fallen, resulting in lower earnings for fishermen.
“Then, during every election, the island announces jobs. So, people do not want to go fishing because they do not mind what they get,” the council vice-president said.
Moosa said the decline in fishing has affected businesses and household incomes on the island, making daily life more difficult.
He said the issue could be addressed by providing fishermen with wages that reflect their work. He added that if fish were purchased at the prices paid previously, more people could become interested in working in the fishing industry.
Moosa said the island’s economy could recover if the fishing industry is supported.
“But it only has to happen by paying the wages to the fishermen,” he said.
