Gov’t Aims to Restore Fisheries as Economic Lifeline, Says President
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu speaking at the ceremony held to celebrate Maldives’ Fisherman’s Day, on December 13, 2025 | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said yesterday evening that the Administration aims to restore fisheries as the Maldives’ economic lifeline, highlighting a series of policy and operational measures to strengthen and sustain the sector.
He made the remarks while addressing an official function held in Raa Atoll Dhuvaafaru to mark the 45th National Fishermen’s Day. The President said fisheries remain central to the country’s identity and heritage, adding that the Government has implemented six policies across six key areas to develop the industry.
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Announcing new support measures, President Muizzu said that from Sunday, the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Corporation (MIFCO) will purchase fish from one kilogram onwards, reducing the current minimum requirement of one and a half kilograms, at the maximum market rate. He also said MIFCO will sell fuel to fishermen at an average of 51 laari below prevailing market prices.
President Dr @MMuizzu and First Lady @sajidhaamohamed attend the official Fishermen's Day 2025 ceremony, hosted this year in R. Dhuvaafaru.
The commemoration honours the vital contribution of the nation's oldest industry—one that has formed the bedrock of Maldivian social and… pic.twitter.com/hiaRrTmj2I— The President's Office (@presidencymv) December 13, 2025
On infrastructure development, the President said efforts to expand cold storage capacity are under way, with 200 additional opportunities to be opened for fishermen to apply for Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) system loans. He added that practical work to establish fisheries processing facilities across the country will begin shortly. Work on fuel skids is also ongoing, with all facilities expected to be operational nationwide by the end of March.
President Muizzu identified fish prices as the most significant challenge facing fishermen and said the Government is pursuing effective, long-term and sustainable solutions. As part of these efforts, he announced that MIFCO will expand its operations to include the purchase of yellowfin tuna, supported by progress on the Hulhumalé facility.
He further stated that his vision for the fisheries sector is one that provides employment exclusively for Maldivians, noting plans to encourage youth participation and introduce national recognition for individuals and entities that train and employ Maldivians.
During the function, several initiatives aimed at developing the fisheries sector were launched. An agreement was signed to establish a fish purchasing facility in Kan’dholhudhoo, equipped with cold storage and a specialised facility for grouper. Other initiatives included a new module on the Keyolhu application to check ice availability, the Bank of Maldives Masveriyaa Portal, the From Maldives website, MIFCO’s Mas Kiraa application, and a sustainable livebait fishery management plan.
The President also presented awards recognising distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the fisheries sector in 2023 and 2024.
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed observed the Fish Filleting Competition held in Dhuvaafaru, featuring separate categories for men and women. Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam presented awards to the winners. The First Lady also attended the closing ceremony of the Rahavaru cooking competition and presented awards to the winning teams. The first couple concluded the day’s events and returned to Malé yesterday.
