Cold storage capacity to be increased to 25,000 tonnes

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said that efforts are ongoing to increase the capacity of cold storage where catch is stored to 25,000 tonnes.

At present, the cold storage facility has a capacity of 8,500 tonnes.

In a press conference held at the President's Office, Shiyam said that the storage constraints in cold storage present challenges in exporting fish at the desired price.

Shiyam said that the government's aim is to set up cold storage facilities across the country with a total capacity of 25,000 tonnes by the end of the term.

"The lack of storage space results in not allowing us to export fish at the price we want. We are forced to export fish as a raw material. As we don't have the capacity, we have to keep exporting at the rate the fish is caught. So we end up having to export at prices they cite whether we like it or not," Shiyam said.

Shiyam said that under these efforts, cold storage is being set up in four islands in the South at 8,500 tonne capacity. Once the existing storage facilities are expanded:

- 4000 tonnes can be stored in Gaafu Alif atoll Kooddoo

- 3000 tonnes can be stored at Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Fiyoari

- 1000 tonnes can be stored at Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Thinadhoo

- 500 tonnes can be stored at Seenu atoll Hulhudhoo

In addition to this, storage facilities are being set up in three islands in central Maldives as well, These are:

- 1500 tonnes storage in Faafu atoll Nilandhoo

- 500 tonnes storage in Meemu atoll Mulah

Other cold storage facilities that will be set up include:

- 1000 tonnes storage in Haa Alif atoll Ihavandhoo

- Additional 4000 tonne storage in Lhaviyani atoll Felivaru

At present, cold storage facilities in the country are 750 tonne storage in Lhaviyani atoll Felivaru, 2000 tonne storage in Gaafu Alif Kooddoo, and 1500 tonne storage in Seenu atoll Hulhumeedhoo. Taking into account cold storage capacity on fishing boats, the total capacity is currently at 8,500 tonnes.