Gov’t to Begin Construction of Yellowfin Tuna Processing Facility in Hulhumalé Amid Fishermen’s Protests
Construction of Hulhumalé yellowfin tuna processing facility set to start next month | Photo: Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources
The government will begin construction of a yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumalé next month, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced yesterday.
Bodukanneli masveringe emme bodu kanboduvumakee bodukanneli ganna kunfunithakah vikkaafa huri kanneyyah faisaa nulibi dhigulaadhaa massala aa masverikan rangalhuvaa vaguthu kanneleege agu dhahvaa massala.
Mikan hallukurumah bodukanneli masverin propose kuravvanee sarukaarun…— Ahmed Shiyam (@Shiyamaldives) December 10, 2025advertisement
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The move comes as fishermen staged a protest yesterday at the Presidential Jetty, where boats gathered to call for urgent government action.
Minister Shiyam acknowledged that a major concern for yellowfin tuna fishermen is the delay in receiving payments for fish sold. He noted that while fisheries are showing improvement, the market price of yellowfin tuna has declined. He added that the government is working to expand the sector and fulfil its commitments to the industry.
Practical work on the Hulhumalé processing facility is scheduled to begin next month as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the fishing industry. The facility is expected to support fishermen and improve the sector’s efficiency.
Since June last year, arrangements have been made in the Male’ area to supply fuel at the base rate through the State Trading Organisation (STO) under the President’s instructions. By March next year, at least one island in each atoll will have access to fuel at STO rates.
Minister Shiyam expressed optimism for the future of fishing communities, stating that improvements in the sector would benefit fishing families across the country.
