Preparations underway for MIFCO to purchase yellowfin tuna: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said preparations are underway for the state-owned Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) to begin purchasing yellowfin tuna, similar to its current operations for skipjack tuna.

The President made the remarks at the official Fishermen’s Day celebrations held yesterday in Raa atoll Dhuvaafaru, stating that fulfilling his pledge to yellowfin tuna fishermen remains one of his top priorities.

President Muizzu said efforts are already in progress to establish large-scale fish processing facilities in Hulhumale' and Kandu Oiy Giri, which he said is key to enabling the sustainable purchase of yellowfin tuna.

“These initiatives will continue, and we are working extensively to establish a sustainable mechanism in the shortest possible time,” he said.

He stressed that the government intends to begin purchasing yellowfin tuna through MIFCO in a sustainable manner, noting that skipjack tuna purchases were only launched after a reliable system was put in place to ensure fishermen are paid within 48 hours of weighing their catch.

“I do not want to start today and stop tomorrow,” the President said.

“That is why we are working step by step. I am also working towards increasing the purchase price of skipjack tuna to MVR 20, as I promised.”

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has said construction work on the yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumale' is scheduled to begin in January and be completed within six months.

The President reiterated that fisheries remains his top priority sector, expressing confidence that yellowfin tuna fishermen will cooperate with the government’s efforts.

He said fisheries development is a national undertaking that directly affects individuals, families, islands and the country as a whole.

“We are working directly with fishermen and all stakeholders involved. I am confident that everyone will fully cooperate in achieving this goal,” he said.