The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has reported an 88.8 per cent increase in fish exports during the first seven months of this year, rising from 27,951 metric tonnes in the same period last year to 52,764 metric tonnes.

According to MMA’s monthly statistics, exports of fresh, chilled or frozen tuna reached 42,588 metric tonnes, reflecting a 106 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This comprised 42,588 tonnes of skipjack tuna, 5,212 tonnes of yellowfin tuna, and 102 tonnes of other tuna species.

Excluding tuna, fresh, chilled or frozen fish exports stood at 430 metric tonnes, up 10 per cent from last year. However, canned or pouched fish exports fell by 5.8 per cent to 3,536 metric tonnes.

The significant increase in exports comes as efforts are underway to boost fish trade nationwide. The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has already started procuring fish directly from Fuvahmulah City and has announced plans to begin direct fish exports from Addu City.