The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has opened registrations for “Rahavaru,” a competitive seafood cook-off set to take place in Hulhumalé on December 12 as part of this year’s Fishermen’s Day celebrations.
The culinary competition aims to commemorate the fisheries sector’s vital role in national food security while promoting innovation, sustainable practices, and culinary diversification amid global climate challenges.
Targeting youth and aspiring amateur chefs, the event encourages contestants to develop creative seafood recipes that showcase local marine resources.
Participation is open to teams of two to three members, with slots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants must submit their application forms before the deadline at 2:00 p.m. on November 19, 2026.
National Fishermen’s Day is celebrated annually on December 10, with the official state ceremony set to take place in the capital, Malé, this year.
Nominations have also been opened for the national awards to be conferred during the official ceremony in Malé across four key categories:
- Distinguished Young Skipper (Under 35): Open to active fishermen under the age of 35 whose sole livelihood and income are derived exclusively from fishing.
- Most Experienced Master Skipper (Over 35): Open to veteran fishermen aged 35 and above who are actively engaged in practical fishing without pursuing any other profession for income.
- Distinguished Reef Fisher Award: Aimed at individuals whose primary occupation and livelihood come from reef fishing.
- Distinguished Female Fisher Award: A dedicated award introduced this year to recognise women who actively participate in practical fishing to earn their livelihood.
Last year’s national Fishermen’s Day celebrations were hosted in Raa Dhuvaafaru, attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.
46 ވަނަ މަސްވެރިންގެ ދުވަހުގެ މުނާޞަބަތުގައި ބާއްވާ “ރަހަވަރު” ކެއްކުމުގެ މުބާރާތުގައި ބައިވެރިވުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ހުޅުވާލުން. https://t.co/oIEK8kp7aM https://t.co/Ce3aB46Bfa— Min of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources (@MFAORmv) November 7, 2026





