The Maldives is experiencing a significant decline in fishing activity, resulting in a shortage of fish and fish products in retail stores across the country. This issue has sparked widespread concern among the public, with many taking to social media to voice their frustrations.
Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO) has acknowledged receiving multiple complaints regarding the scarcity of fish products. The company attributes the low stocks to a drastic reduction in fishing activity and the corresponding decrease in fish being supplied to them.
“MIFCO’s fish stores are currently scarce or empty due to the decline in fishing in the country and the decrease in the number of fish weighed to the company,” a MIFCO representative explained.
While canned fish remains readily available and customers can purchase these products without concern, MIFCO has noted that other types of skipjack tuna products will only be produced if there is an adequate supply of skipjack tuna. However, yellowfin tuna products will continue to be available in MIFCO shops, as confirmed by a senior MIFCO official.
“Production is currently low due to the lack of skipjack tuna even as a value-added product. But with the improvement of fishing, the aisles of shops will be filled,” the official added.
A fisherman from a southern island shed light on the underlying issues, stating that the decline in fishing is due to a drastic reduction in the amount of fish caught, coupled with the government’s reduction in the rate at which they purchase fish.
“With the low number of fish caught, fishermen are not going out as they cannot make ends meet with the money they earn from weighing the small amount of fish,” he said. He further mentioned that while baitfish and fish are available, many fishermen are refraining from fishing due to the price reduction.
It has been reported that some fishermen have not gone fishing for over a month, exacerbating the shortage of fish in the market.
In response to these challenges, state-owned MIFCO amended the rate for purchasing fish from fishermen, aligning it with the international market price as of 21st June. This decision was driven by the significant increase in the costs associated with processing and selling fish, which have so far been covered through loans and government assistance.
Currently, the international market price for fish ranges between MVR 18-20 per kilogram. Experts have called for aligning the price of fish to market levels to ensure sustainability and fairness. However, the delay in implementing this action has resulted in frequent delays in payments to fishermen for their catches.
Since the beginning of the current administration, fishermen have staged several protests over the issue of delayed payments, highlighting the urgency of addressing these concerns to stabilise the fishing industry and ensure the livelihoods of fishermen are protected.
As the Maldives navigates this challenging period, it is essential for the government and relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions that support both the fishing industry and the needs of the Maldivian people.
