Sonee Fishing held its annual “Kandu Foari” fish race last Saturday, marking the third edition of the sports fishing tournament.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Riyaz Jauhary, Dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the Maldives National University (MNU), during the early hours of Saturday morning.
The tournament ran from 6 am. to 6 pm., with participants fishing within Kaafu Atoll.
A total of 14 teams took part in the competition. Details such as the number, species, size, and location of catches were shared with the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) and MNU to support fisheries research.
Dedicated to fishing for the Giant Trevally (locally known as Muda Handhi), a key species in sport fishing tourism and marine ecosystem balance, the tournament aims to promote sustainable pole-and-line fishing practices guided by scientific knowledge.
Winners:
- Champion team: Island Fishing
- Runner-up: Team Nora
- Third place: Shiyaz Sports Fishing
- Best Fisherman: Munthaz (Island Fishing)
- Second place: Yamin (Island Fishing)
- Third place: Sanweel (Night at Sea)
- Fourth place: Sobah (Club HDC)
- Best Female Fisher: Sumayyaa (Team Malahini)
- Best Junior Fisher: Kiyaan (Team Banoon)
- Best Captain: Island Fishing’s captain
Sonee Fishing also presented plaques to two junior participants aged between 10 and 17; Mohamed Kayan Khaleel and Bilqis Asim Mohamed in recognition of their participation.
The “Kandu Foari” tournament was launched to introduce young people to responsible sport fishing and strengthen a culture of sustainability in the Maldives’ fishing community.
