MIFCO has officially commenced the purchase of yellowfin tuna at Kanduothgiri, following the completion of all necessary preparations to bring the facility into operation. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by yellowfin tuna fishermen.
Regarding this development, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, stated that the government is working extensively to resolve the obstacles within the Maldives’ fishing industry. The Minister highlighted that the current administration has introduced numerous measures to support both skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishermen.
Noting that yellowfin tuna fishing accounts for a significant portion of the Maldivian fisheries sector, the Minister pointed out that one of the primary concerns for these fishermen was MIFCO’s previous inability to purchase their catch. He noted that this key demand of the fishermen has now been met.
“Yesterday marked the official commencement of MIFCO purchasing yellowfin tuna at a rate of MVR 25 per kilogram. God willing, this is a very significant beginning,” Minister Shiyam said.
The CEO and Managing Director of MIFCO, Faruhad Sheer, stated that extensive work was undertaken to bring Kanduothgiri back into operation and provide services to fishermen.
“Kanduothgiri is now operational, and we have begun purchasing fish from yellowfin tuna fishermen. We will continue to buy yellowfin tuna weighing over 15 kilograms at a rate of MVR 25 per kilogram from Kanduothgiri and the surrounding region,” CEO Faruhad Sheer explained.
Additionally, the CEO noted that the facility has also begun purchasing skipjack tuna.
To provide a long-term solution to the challenges faced by yellowfin tuna fishermen, the government has decided to develop a fish processing and packaging facility in Hulhumalé. The Minister of Fisheries previously announced that physical work on this facility, a joint project between the Maldives government and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is expected to begin within this month.
