Feeali fishermen forced out of industry as skipjack tuna price, once promised at MVR 100, falls to MVR 30

Fishermen in Feeali island of Faafu atoll have reported that many in the community have been left with no option but to abandon the fishing industry due to mounting and unresolved challenges.

Ibrahim Naseem, a local skipjack tuna fisherman from Feeali, outlined the situation facing the island’s fishing community during RaajjeTV’s “Haalu Kihineh?” program.

He said it is no longer possible for fishermen to sustain their livelihoods through fishing and stressed that the lack of a fair price for their catch has pushed many to quit the industry and seek employment elsewhere.

He noted that Feeali once had a large population engaged in skipjack tuna fishing, with around 18 fishing vessels operating from the island. Today, he said only two or three boats remain active.

Naseem stated that the price of skipjack tuna had previously ranged between MVR 85 and MVR 90 per kilo. Now, he said the price does not even reach MVR 30 per kilo, forcing many to stop fishing altogether.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledges included commitments to ensure MIFCO purchases skipjack tuna, to establish a minimum purchase price of MVR 80 to MVR 100 per kilo, to provide subsidized fuel and to improve access to ice.

Fishermen across the Maldives are currently voicing serious concerns about not receiving fair prices for their catch. In response, skipjack tuna fishermen have decided to stage a protest on Fishermen’s Day.

The Skipjack Tuna Fishermen’s Union stated that its members believe the industry would progress significantly if the government’s fish company purchased, exported and marketed skipjack tuna; if a minimum purchase price were set; if government policies were adjusted to reduce operational costs; and if discriminatory practices among fishermen were eliminated.

The Union emphasized that the current administration came to power with strong support from fishermen, campaigning on these very promises. However, the Union expressed deep disappointment that no efforts so far have offered any hope to skipjack tuna fishermen, resulting in widespread frustration.

Given the government’s continued neglect of their concerns and its failure to provide solutions, the Union’s members decided at their annual meeting on December 10 to protest and raise their voices for the rights of skipjack tuna fishermen.

The Union has therefore called on all fishermen to join in urging the government to fulfill its pledges to the skipjack tuna fishing community.