Fishery production saw a significant decline over the past month
According to statistics from MIFCO, fish purchases saw a significant decline in May, dropping to 1,791 tonnes from the 4,414 tonnes recorded in April. This downturn in catch resulted in a corresponding decrease in payments to fishermen, which fell from MVR 78 million to MVR 31 million. Fishermen attributed the poor season to logistical challenges, specifically difficulties in obtaining fuel from Kooddoo, which prevented vessels from traveling to more distant fishing grounds.
The fishermen of Faresmaathodaa. | Faresmaathoda Masveri eh
The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has reported a significant decline in fish catch throughout the month of May.
According to statistics released by MIFCO, fish landings saw a decline in May compared to the figures recorded in April.
According to official statistics, a total of 693 vessels weighed 1,791 metric tons of fish at MIFCO during the month of May. The company has disbursed MVR 31,081,853 in payments for the catch.
A total of 1,708.9 metric tons of skipjack tuna were weighed, with payments amounting to MVR 29,063,153 disbursed. These landings were recorded from a total of 367 fishing vessels.
A total of MVR 138,000 has been deposited to 109 vessels that weighed yellowfin tuna exceeding 10 kilograms. Additionally, MVR 1,880,700 has been disbursed to 217 vessels for catches of yellowfin tuna weighing over 15 kilograms.
Furthermore, statistics for the month of April reveal that 1,068 vessels weighed a total of 4,414 metric tons of fish at MIFCO. A total of MVR 78,778,405 has been disbursed as payment for the catch.
Fishermen have expressed deep concern over fuel shortages at GA. Kooddoo throughout April, occurring alongside a significant decline in fish catch last month. They reported facing severe difficulties in departing for fishing trips, noting that the lack of fuel has prevented them from traveling to distant fishing grounds to operate effectively.
