Fishermen’s Union Plans Protest Over Unmet Government Promises
BKMU will hold a protest on 10 December, Fishermen’s Day | Photo: BKMU
The Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union (BKMU) has announced that it will stage a protest on Fishermen’s Day, 10 December, in response to what it describes as the government’s continued failure to deliver on key commitments made to yellowfin tuna fishermen.
މި ޔޫނިއަންގެ އަހަރީ އާންމު ބައްދަލްވުމާއި ކަންނެލި މަސްވެރިންގެ ކަންބޮޑުވުން ފާޅުކުރުމާ ގުޅޭ! @VaguthuOnline @AdhadhuMV @Raajje_tv @vaavu @sunbrk @thiladhun @MasverinOnline @VaguthuOnline @Dhaurunews @DhiyaresNews @keyolhanews @psmnewsmv @IruvaruOnline @Mihaarunews pic.twitter.com/xqgaepf9Gv
— Bodu Kanneli Masveringe union- BKMU (@FishermensUnion) November 12, 2025advertisement
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The union stated that frustration among fishermen has reached a critical point due to the lack of progress on longstanding issues. It warned that the yellowfin tuna fishery, one of the Maldives’ most valuable marine sectors, faces the risk of decline without sustainable and timely intervention.
According to the union, several major promises remain unfulfilled. These include purchasing yellowfin tuna through the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), setting a minimum purchase price between MVR 80 and MVR 100, providing fuel at base rates, and ensuring consistent access to ice for fish preservation.
The BKMU said that despite repeated appeals, no substantial measures have been taken to address these concerns. It also highlighted ongoing disparities in how fishermen are treated and called for reforms to export policies to ensure a fairer system.
The statement recalled that an emergency motion was submitted to Parliament in July last year after more than 120 tonnes of yellowfin tuna began to spoil due to the lack of buyers. The motion, introduced by Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyadh, urged the government to procure the catch through MIFCO, offer shares to fishermen, and enforce the pledged price range. The union noted that none of these recommendations have been implemented.
The BKMU said its annual meeting on Fishermen’s Day will be used as a platform to demand accountability and immediate corrective action from the government.
