Fishermen’s Union Flags Ongoing Ice Supply Issues, Revives Grievances from Previous Protests

Yellowfin tuna fishermen have continued to raise concerns over long-standing operational challenges, including access to ice, fuel costs and state purchasing mechanisms, issues that also featured prominently in last year’s large-scale protests led by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU).

In a statement, the union said ice availability remains constrained due to fuel shortages affecting ice plant operations across several parts of the Maldives. It also criticised limits imposed by MIFCO on daily ice distribution, arguing that the two-tonne cap per vessel is insufficient for yellowfin tuna fishing activities and disrupts at-sea operations during a period of already low catch rates.

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The concerns echo key demands raised during the fishermen’s protests last year, when BKMU mobilised vessels and staged demonstrations over what it described as unmet government pledges. Those included calls for MIFCO to directly purchase yellowfin tuna, the introduction of a guaranteed floor price of MVR 80–100 per kilogram, fuel provision at base rates, and reliable nationwide access to ice for fish preservation.

ކަންނެލިމަސްވެރިންނަށް މިފްކޯއިން އައިސް ލިބުން ދަތިވުމާ ގުޅޭ! @mifcomv @MFAORmv pic.twitter.com/ifE0ALmZV2— Bodu Kanneli Masveringe union- BKMU (@FishermensUnion) July 6, 2026

During that period of protests, fishermen argued that delays in policy implementation and inconsistent support measures were threatening livelihoods, with demonstrations escalating into a flotilla protest near Malé. Authorities had previously outlined plans to stabilise the sector through measures such as timely payments under a 48-hour disbursement policy and longer-term expansion of ice production capacity, alongside pledges to improve fisheries infrastructure.

Despite those commitments and ongoing infrastructure projects, the union now says many of the underlying issues remain unresolved, with current fuel-related disruptions again limiting ice production and adding pressure to fishing operations already affected by low seasonal yields.