Gov’t Works to Link Reef Fishermen Directly with Resorts

The government is developing arrangements to connect reef fishermen directly with resorts as part of wider efforts to expand domestic sales opportunities for locally caught fish.

Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam told Parliament that fishermen, particularly those operating near the Greater Malé region and areas with large numbers of resorts, continue to report difficulties in selling their catch directly to tourism establishments.

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Responding to a question from Kendhoo Parliamentarian Mauroof Zakir, Minister Shiyam said addressing these difficulties is a key priority for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

The recently established Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation (MFORMPC) is working with resorts in selected areas to introduce direct sales arrangements. However, Minister Shiyam said a complete solution has yet to be established.

According to Minister Shiyam, the corporation was created to market fish caught by Maldivian fishermen locally and internationally, identify new sales opportunities and conduct promotional activities in domestic and overseas markets.

MFORMPC is also developing a dedicated brand for Maldivian fish products, with plans to position them as premium offerings. Its work includes improving access to the domestic market and identifying new export opportunities.

Minister Shiyam also outlined plans to address challenges within the yellowfin tuna industry. Work has been awarded for the construction of a 100-metric-tonne yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumalé, which is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The facility is being developed jointly by the government and the Islamic Development Bank through loan financing. It was initially planned for Kanduohgiri but was later relocated after land became available in Hulhumalé.

Minister Shiyam said the government also intends to increase the quantity of yellowfin tuna purchased by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company and fulfil commitments made to fishermen.