Fishermen receive assurance of support from President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with fishermen at the President's Office yesterday - the third such meeting since he assumed office. At the meeting, he assured the fishermen that the government would continue providing support to the fishing community. 

The President reiterated that this administration would raise the price at which catch is bought from fishermen to MVR 20 per kilo. 

The fishermen sought a response as to when this change would be brought into effect. In response, the President, while declining to name a specific date, stated that fish purchase price would be increased once the 48-hour payment system is fully stabilized. 

Since December 10 last year, the government has been paying fishermen for catch weighed within 48 hours, as was pledged by President Muizzu during the presidential election campaign. 

The President announced the government's intention to increase the fish purchase price to MVR 20 during his visit to M. Dhiggaru on September 22. 

The fishermen also shared other concerns during yesterday's meeting. This includes:

President Muizzu assured that the government would work to address these concerns. 

With fishermen explaining that, currently, Vaavu atoll offers the best conditions for baitfishing, President Muizzu assured that land reclamation efforts in the atoll would proceed in consultation with fishermen. 

He stated that discussions would be held with Bank of Maldives to facilitate loans on a more simplified application process, with lower document requirements. 

The President also highlighted the government's efforts to standardize fuel prices across the atolls, expected to be achieved by March 2026. 

The President's announcement that fish purchase price would be raised to MVR 20 per kilo met with criticism from Maldives Seafood Processors and Exporters Association (MSPEA).

MSPEA expressed apprehension over the proposed pricing, warning that it may be prohibitively high for maintaining viable exports to global markets. The association cautioned that such an increase could push fish export companies towards bankruptcy and could lead to factory closures.