The government is to appoint a representative of fishermen to the Board of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO).

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made the decision on Sunday, following recommendation from his Cabinet of Ministers.

Extensive deliberations were held on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

According to the President’s Office, the decision mirrors the incumbent administration’s “Hafthaa 14” roadmap and aims to increase the participation of the fisher community in the operations of MIFCO.

An announcement will officially be made by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources for those interested in applying for the position.

Consecutively, President Muizzu will be selecting a representative to the MIFCO Board from the eligible applicants who respond to the publication.

In addition to this, the president has also instructed to prepare a roadmap to establish a 'Fishermen's Co-operative Society’.

The roadmap will touch upon experiences of other countries, relevant research and expert opinions in a bid to create a suitable model for fishermen across the archipelago nation.