Fishing improves, fish weighing vessel near Male'

Following a significant decline in fishing last month, the fishing industry in the Maldives is now on the improve.

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO) announced that its fishing vessel 'Randhi 20' will be near Malé today, as fishing in the area has considerably improved. Currently, the boat is positioned near Vilimalé.

MIFCO reported that while fishing between Thaa Atoll and Laamu Atoll has improved slightly, it is anticipated that the southern atolls will see an improvement starting next week.

"Fishing has improved in Meemu Atoll. The Maha Kalaminja (fish weighing boat) is set to depart for Meemu Atoll today from Gaafu Alif Atoll," stated MIFCO.

Currently, MIFCO's fish weighing boat 'Randhi 23' is stationed in Meemu atoll.

In June, the drastic decline in fishing in the country lead to a shortage of fish and fish products in MIFCO stores.

During this period, some fishermen attributed the decline in fishing is due to the drastic reduction in fish caught and the government's reduction in the rate at which they purchase fish.

As fishing has started to improve, local fish markets now have a substantial stock.

Last Saturday, the market price for fish was MVR 20 per kilo.

Currently, a kilo of tuna sells for around MVR 35, Skipjack Tuna for MVR 50-60 per kilo, and Yellowfin Tuna for MVR 45-65 per kilo.

In response to the previous decline in fishing, MIFCO transferred four vessels from the southern Maldives to Felivaru in Lhaviyani Atoll. Additionally, a fish processing vessel with a capacity of over 100 tonnes was relocated to Kooddoo last month to support local fishermen.