Fishermen's Day: Yellowfin tuna fishermen protest

Earlier this morning, yellowfin tuna fishermen attempted to barricade the entrance of the Hulhumale' Kanneli Jetty, calling for MIFCO to begin buying Yellowfin Tuna.

However, the Coast Guard had stopped them at a certain point.

A protester from N. Magoodhoo Aaru vessel who took part under the slogan "will not sail, not again" (Dheneh nufureyne, dheneh nuvaane) stated that they will continue to protest until the demands of fishermen are fully met. The protester also said that fishermen are prepared to protest for two days if that is what it takes.

Kendhoo constituency MP and MDP member Mauroof Zakir, a senior in the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) gave an interview to Raajje TV, stating that the demand of protesters is for MIFCO to begin buying yellowfin tuna or for the government to discuss another option with fishermen. He also stated that they do not believe that the government does not have the capacity to do so.

Mauroof said that the government can do this by utilizing MIFCO's storage and packing facility at Kandu Oiy Giri.

"Making use of Kandu Oiy Giri in such a manner has been done in the past, with work being done for yellowfin tuna to be purchased at Kandu Oiy Giri as well. And so, these are not demands and promises the government will have difficulty in fulfilling," said Mauroof.

He stated that the current administration took office by pledging as such, documenting it on the manifesto and getting votes from fishermen.

After protesting at the Hulhumale' Kanneli Jetty, protesters and their many marine vessels have taken to sail to Male'. Some of the vessels have reached Male', with others still at Hulhumale'.

Mauroof went on to say that yellowfin tuna fishermen are prepared to continue the protest as long as the government does not grant their demands.

The same protest took place last year on Fishermen's Day as well. Before that, the protest in June 2024 saw fishermen enter the Male' lagoon. The protest then saw longline tuna fishing being granted permission by the government.

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam went to the protest that time and expressed his concerns.