President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that ongoing projects to support the Maldivian fishing community will be completed within the next two years, with results expected to become visible in the near term.
Speaking during the fourth episode of the President’s Office podcast Rayyithunnaa Eku, the President highlighted various strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and payment systems.
A major development discussed is the expansion of skipjack tuna storage capacity, which will rise from the current 9,500 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes. Processing capacity is also expected to increase significantly from 115 tonnes to 365 tonnes. President Muizzu stated that these projects are fully resourced and will continue without disruption.
In addressing persistent challenges faced by fishermen—such as access to fuel and ice—the President said that designated islands across all atolls will offer fuel at State Trading Organisation (STO) rates by the end of the year. Construction of ice plants, cold storage, and processing facilities is reportedly ongoing in several islands.
The Administration is also promoting the use of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems, which the President described as vital for the future of the sector. Additional loan schemes have been introduced to support adoption of such technologies.
On the financial side, President Muizzu noted that a dependable payment mechanism has now been put in place, allowing for payments to be made to fishermen within 48 hours—a pledge he said has been fulfilled. Since the last Fishermen’s Day, MVR 470 million in payments have reportedly been made without delays, which the President said has helped bring more young Maldivians back into the industry.
The President also referenced the national fishermen’s registry, which now covers 95 percent of all fishing vessels. The registry is intended to support financial inclusion by enabling banks to better assess the fishing industry as a source of sustainable income.
Other updates included the installation of 18 new fish aggregating devices (FADs) and the restoration of 21 previously damaged units. To improve safety, 56 rescue divers have been trained and assigned across an equal number of vessels.
Looking ahead, the President said that the Maldives College for Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, under the National University, will continue to offer full scholarships for 45 students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Fisheries Management. Additional specialised training programmes in related fields are also in development.
