The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has expressed concern over the growing difficulties faced by fishermen in selling their catch, saying long queues and low purchase prices are placing increasing pressure on the fishing community.
In a post on X, the union said fishermen continue to spend hours waiting to sell their catch during every fishing season. It stated that the current average purchase price of MVR 35 per kilogram is causing significant hardship for fishermen and their families.
According to BKMU, fishermen are spending more time at sea waiting to sell fish and collect ice than fishing, reducing their income and resulting in financial losses. The union said long waiting times have also led to an increase in fish being rejected because they no longer meet the freshness standards required by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO). It added that changes to fish prices have further affected fishermen’s earnings.
The union reiterated that MIFCO purchasing large fish, as pledged in the government’s presidential manifesto, remains the only long-term solution. It noted that fishermen have been calling for a minimum purchase price of between MVR 80 and MVR 100 per kilogram, subsidised fuel at base rates and improved access to ice.
BKMU said it has been urging the government to fulfil these commitments since the beginning of its term. It also referred to a protest held by fishermen near the entrance to the Malé canal, where participants said the government had yet to deliver on its promises.
The union also highlighted ongoing difficulties in obtaining ice from MIFCO’s ice plants, despite the recent decline in fishing activity.
In response to these concerns, the government has decided to reopen the FSM terminals in Hulhumalé and K. Himmafushi. Subsidised fuel has also been made available at the Himmafushi FSM facility.
Fishing activity has declined in recent months, accompanied by a reduction in the amount paid by MIFCO to fishermen. Payments fell from MVR 78 million in April to MVR 31.1 million in May, before declining further to MVR 11.3 million in June.
