Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has assured the public that fish and fish products will remain readily available during the upcoming Ramadan month, despite the current decline in fishing activity.
Responding to queries from Mihaaru News, MIFCO’s Senior Manager for Public Relations, Shifza Musthafa, said the company had made early and comprehensive arrangements to ensure uninterrupted supply during the low fishing season.
The decline in catch began last month, he said.
According to MIFCO, the average daily catch which previously stood at 242 tonnes dropped to 93 tonnes last month. So far this month, the company has weighed an average of 58 tonnes per day.
“We understand the hardship people would face if there were difficulties obtaining fish during Ramadan. Therefore, we are making arrangements in advance,” Shifza said, adding that MIFCO shops and centres are expected to supply fish products, including canned tuna brands and frozen fish, without disruption.
She said MIFCO currently holds sufficient stock to meet public demand and has adjusted its operations to ensure smooth distribution from its centres and retail outlets.
As a state-owned enterprise in the fisheries sector, MIFCO is implementing planned measures to maintain stable supply throughout Ramadan, she said.
Shifza added that the company would continue working closely with fishermen and other industry stakeholders to monitor changes in fishing patterns and take necessary steps where required.
Every year during the low fishing season, MIFCO’s fish shops face supply constraints. However, the company typically implements mitigation measures to ease shortages.
