Fisheries Ministry Commits to Review Arrests, Address BKMU Demands

The meeting held yesterday between the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources concluded on a positive note, with the government acknowledging the legitimacy of fishermen’s concerns and committing to both immediate and long-term actions, according to BKMU representatives.

During the meeting, BKMU reiterated its demands, including the release of individuals detained during recent protests. A union representative said the Fisheries minister Ahmed Shiyam stated the cases would be reviewed closely to determine what action should be taken. The government also acknowledged that the demands raised by the fishermen were based on real and pressing concerns affecting the sector, and assured that steps would be taken without delay while broader policy measures are planned for the long term.

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The issue of detainees featured prominently in the discussions. Four expatriate fishermen and two local fishermen were arrested from vessels near the Presidential Jetty, as well as Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, a founder and secretary general of the union, was also arrested. He was later taken to the hospital for an urgent surgery and released due to medical reasons. Several expatriates were also detained while travelling from land to the Hulhumalé Kanneli Jetty. BKMU maintains that the expatriate fishermen were operating legally under vessel quota allocations at the time of their arrest.

Following the meeting yesterday, Minister Shiyam said fishermen were fully cooperating with the government, allowing authorities to more clearly identify challenges and work toward solutions. He added that the government remains committed to addressing the needs of fishermen and protecting their interests, in line with commitments set out in President Mohamed Muizzu’s manifesto.

The meeting followed days of protests by fishermen that began on Fishermen’s Day, with demonstrators gathering at sea and around Malé to press for government action. Fishermen have been calling on the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) to resume purchasing yellowfin tuna, for the government to set a minimum purchase price of between MVR 80 and MVR 100 per kilogram, and for fuel to be supplied at base rates along with reliable access to ice.

Ahead of the talks, a large group of BKMU members assembled outside the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources after being informed that a meeting would take place, describing the move as an effort to directly engage decision-makers following days of protests without a public response. While fishermen had previously stated they would not scale back demonstrations without concrete commitments, BKMU said the outcome of yesterday’s meeting was overall positive, noting the government’s willingness to recognise their concerns and engage on solutions.