MIFCO Operations Compromised Due to Poor Finances: Minister Shiyam

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam stated that the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) cannot purchase yellowfin tuna from fishers due to poor finances. Fishers protested on 50 vessels at Kanneli Jetty in Hulhumalé and later moved to Malé. The Minister visited the protest area to hear concerns. Fishers demand the promised purchase of yellowfin tuna and oppose the government's plans to reintroduce industrial longline fishing, which they fear will harm their pole and line livelihoods and fish stocks. The government is discussing longline fishing to utilize a larger quota from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), but with greater precautions. MIFCO will only resume purchases if its financial situation improves, and the Minister expressed hope to fulfill President Mohamed Muizzu's promises. Fishers vowed to continue protesting if their demands are not met.

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam stated that the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) cannot purchase yellowfin tuna from fishers due to poor finances. Fishers protested on 50 vessels at Kanneli Jetty in Hulhumalé and later moved to Malé. The Minister visited the protest area to hear concerns. Fishers demand the promised purchase of yellowfin tuna and oppose the government's plans to reintroduce industrial longline fishing, which they fear will harm their pole and line livelihoods and fish stocks. The government is discussing longline fishing to utilize a larger quota from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), but with greater precautions. MIFCO will only resume purchases if its financial situation improves, and the Minister expressed hope to fulfill President Mohamed Muizzu's promises. Fishers vowed to continue protesting if their demands are not met.

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam stated that the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) cannot purchase yellowfin tuna from fishers due to poor finances. Fishers protested on 50 vessels at Kanneli Jetty in Hulhumalé and later moved to Malé. The Minister visited the protest area to hear concerns. Fishers demand the promised purchase of yellowfin tuna and oppose the government's plans to reintroduce industrial longline fishing, which they fear will harm their pole and line livelihoods and fish stocks. The government is discussing longline fishing to utilize a larger quota from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), but with greater precautions. MIFCO will only resume purchases if its financial situation improves, and the Minister expressed hope to fulfill President Mohamed Muizzu's promises. Fishers vowed to continue protesting if their demands are not met.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of finances / mifco.