Mayor Azim: Fishermen's profits are declining due to falling fish prices
19 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 08:06Following a meeting with local fishermen, Male' City Mayor Adam Azim stated that the fishing community is facing severe financial losses due to the lack of fish processing capacity and difficulties in procuring essential supplies such as fuel, ice, and engine spare parts. He highlighted that the industry is on the brink of collapse due to government incompetence, leaving many fishermen unable to service their loans and forcing them into the dire position of having to sell their vessels.
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim. | RaajjeMV
Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that the decline in fish purchase prices is leading to a reduction in profits for fishermen.
Following a meeting between former Vice President Faisal Naseem, Mayor Adam Azim, and local fishermen on Sunday, Mayor Azim stated that as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration approaches its first year, the situation for fishermen has deteriorated significantly. The Mayor noted that this decline has become a matter of profound concern for the fishing community.
The profitability of the fishing industry is plummeting for these individuals, driven by falling fish prices and the sheer incompetence of certain state-owned enterprises. Due to the losses incurred from government mismanagement, some fishermen have been forced to repurpose their vessels into cargo or passenger boats. They report that the situation has deteriorated to the point where they are unable to service their bank loans and are facing the prospect of having to sell their vessels entirely.Adam Azim
Mayor Azim further noted that yellowfin tuna fishermen are facing numerous challenges. Specifically, he highlighted concerns regarding the lack of fish processing facilities, as well as difficulties in obtaining fuel and ice supplies.
Furthermore, many individuals have raised concerns regarding the prolonged delays faced by vessels docked here. This is primarily due to the unavailability of spare parts for engines sold by certain companies, particularly some state-owned enterprises. As a result of these shortages, vessels are often forced to remain idle for up to a month. For instance, the inability to source a spare part worth just 3,000 Rufiyaa can lead to losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of Rufiyaa, as the entire crew—sometimes up to 35 people—must remain stationed here while the vessel is out of commission.Adam Azim
Mayor Azim stated that the major fisheries projects initiated by the previous MDP administration will be resumed under a future MDP government.
