President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with fishermen at the President’s Office on Monday morning, the third such meeting he has held with members of the fishing community since assuming office.

During the discussion, fishermen reiterated their call for a clear timeline on increasing the fish purchase price to MVR 20 per kilogramme. They also highlighted a decline in the baitfish population, although Vaavu Atoll was noted as offering the most favourable conditions for baitfishing. Other issues raised included difficulties in accessing loans from the Bank of Maldives (BML), challenges in obtaining fishing licences, and calls for the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company’s (MIFCO) weighing scales to be upgraded to digital models. Fishermen also drew attention to inconsistencies in fish weighing practices across different regions.

Acknowledging these concerns, President Dr Muizzu assured fishermen that the fish purchase price would be increased once the 48-hour payment system is fully stabilised. He pledged to continue engaging directly with fishermen to address their challenges, while noting that land reclamation projects in Vaavu Atoll would move forward in consultation with them to ensure their needs were reflected.

On loan access, the President said BML would be instructed to ease its procedures, including simplifying documentation requirements, in line with Government policy. He also provided updates on key initiatives, including efforts to standardise fuel prices across all atolls to match the State Trading Organization (STO) rate, with implementation expected by March next year. He added that MIFCO is preparing to begin its own fuel sales to fishermen.

In addition to holding direct meetings with fishermen, the Administration has rolled out several initiatives to improve their livelihoods. These include providing access to refrigerated sea water (RSW) loans, establishing a National Fishermen’s Register, and introducing the 48-hour payment system, which resolved a long-standing grievance within the industry.