The government is moving to expand fish storage and processing capacity across the Maldives, as part of efforts to address long-standing infrastructure constraints faced by fishermen during peak catch periods.
Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam said ice plants have been installed and brought into operation in five islands, while projects are being prepared for installation in a further 15 islands. The update was shared during a press conference held at the President’s Office.
According to the minister, a 25-tonne fish storage plant has been established in Dhevvadhoo, while 30-tonne facilities have been developed in Funadhoo, Meedhoo, Bandidhoo and Gemanafushi. Additional cold storage projects are also expected to be completed before the end of the year, including a 60-tonne facility in Veyvah and a 25-tonne facility in Mahibadhoo.
The planned expansion includes contractor-financed ice plant projects in 15 islands. These include a 5-tonne facility in Kudarikilu, 10-tonne facilities in Hithadhoo and Maavah in Laamu Atoll, and 30-tonne ice plants in Nilandhoo, Villingili, Dhaandhoo, Mulah, Hulhudheli, Kulhudhuffushi, Gaafaru, Dhidhdhoo, Rasdhoo and Rasgetheemu. A 40-tonne ice plant is also planned for Naifaru.
The government also plans to increase existing storage capacity in Felivaru from 50 tonnes to 100 tonnes.
Minister Shiyam said wider fisheries infrastructure works are also progressing. Land reclamation is currently ongoing for the development of a 100-tonne cold storage facility in Fiyoaree, while work is also underway on a 50-tonne cold storage facility and harbour works in the Nilandhoo fish factory area.
The expansion of ice and cold storage capacity is intended to improve the handling of seasonal catches, reduce losses and support better returns for fishermen. Storage constraints have long affected the fisheries sector, particularly when high catch volumes place pressure on existing processing and collection systems.
Minister Shiyam said improving fish pricing remains a government priority, with increased storage capacity seen as a key step towards allowing fishermen to better manage supply and access value-added export opportunities.
He also said the government has decided to establish a 100-tonne fish processing facility in Hulhumalé, with the project agreement expected to be signed next week.
