Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has said fish catch has started improving, with the company now purchasing an average of 50 metric tonnes of fish per day.

The company said the improvement follows a sharp decline in fish catch in recent days. One indicator of fishing activity is the amount paid to fishermen by the national fisheries company after purchasing fish.

Figures show June recorded the lowest level so far this year, with MVR 11.3 million paid to fishermen. April recorded the strongest performance, with MVR 78.8 million paid.

Over the past six months, MIFCO paid:

Fish catch in Maldivian waters declined as baitfish availability dropped. In June, average daily payments to fishermen fell below MVR 1 million, while on some days payments for purchased fish were around MVR 200,000.

MIFCO said the decline is not unusual for the Maldivian fisheries sector. June to August is generally a slower period for fishing, as rougher southwest monsoon conditions reduce baitfish availability and affect catch levels.

Following the decline in June, fishing activity has now started to improve. MIFCO said the company is currently purchasing an average of 50 metric tonnes of fish per day, with the figure expected to increase in the coming days.

The strongest fishing activity is currently being recorded from the area around Lhaviyani Atoll.

Although overall catch levels had declined, MIFCO increased its fish purchase price following the United Kingdom removing tariffs on Maldivian tuna. Since 9 June, MIFCO has been purchasing fish at MVR 20 per kg from its ports.