Fisheries Ministry Launches Reef Fishing Competition with MVR 30,000 Top Prize

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has opened applications for a nationwide reef fishing competition offering a top prize of MVR 30,000, scheduled for Friday, 19 June 2026, as part of World Oceans Day commemorations.

The one-day tournament will run from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with opening and closing ceremonies to be held at the Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal area. In the atolls, the competition will take place within designated areas set by island councils.

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The competition is open to all Maldivian citizens. In Malé City, participation is limited to the first 20 teams that submit complete applications and meet the required criteria. If selected teams withdraw before the event, replacement teams will be drawn from a waiting list.

ދުނިޔޭގެ ކަނޑުތަކުގެ ދުވަހުގެ މުނާޞަބަތުގައި ބާއްވާ ފަރުމަސްވެރިކަމުގެ މުބާރާތުގައި ބައިވެރިވުމުގެ ފުރުޞަތު ހުޅުވާލުން.https://t.co/V5zQFYtd34 pic.twitter.com/VnJdhJfJjW— Min of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources (@MFAORmv) June 14, 2026

Applications must be submitted via the official form before 14:00 on 17 June 2026. The Ministry may be contacted for further information on 3339225 or 3339272.

Prize Structure

According to the ministry, the first prize winner will receive MVR 30,000, followed by MVR 25,000 for second place and MVR 20,000 for third place. A separate prize of MVR 5,000 will be awarded for the biggest fish caught.

Team Rules and Participation Guidelines

Teams may be mixed-gender and must include a manager. Each team may consist of up to 13 members, excluding crew members who will not participate in fishing activities.

At least two-thirds of registered team members must be present for a team to depart for fishing. Teams may be disqualified if members use offensive language, defame others, or violate conduct rules during participation or celebrations.

The Ministry stated it may require teams to change names if deemed inconsistent with acceptable societal standards. Teams that refuse may be disqualified.

Fishing will take place within designated areas determined by island councils. Full rules cover vessel requirements, departure and return procedures, prohibited activities, and scoring criteria.

The Ministry retains the right to document and record participants throughout the event.