32 honoured for excellence in fisheries sector at 45th National...

Sun, 14 Dec 2025

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32 honoured for excellence in fisheries sector at 45th National Fishermen’s Day

14 Dec 2025

Aishath Shaaleen

The official ceremony held to celebrate the 45th National Fishermen’s Day -- Photo: President's Office

A total of 32 individuals, fishing vessels, and companies were honoured for their outstanding achievements and valuable contributions to the Maldives’ fisheries industry during the 45th National Fishermen’s Day celebrations.

The awards were presented at an official ceremony attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, recognising contributions made in 2023 and 2024. Eighteen awards were presented for 2023, while fourteen were awarded for 2024.

The highest honour for 2024, recognising exceptional service to the fisheries sector, was awarded posthumously to the late Hassan Sobir, a recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin. Sobir had served the fisheries sector in various capacities since 1974 and was widely regarded as a pioneer in the industry.

2024 Fisheries Award Recipients

Awards for 2024 recognised excellence across multiple categories, including experienced and young fishermen, reef fishing, tuna harvesting, and fisheries-related businesses. Notable recipients included:

Experienced Fishing Sailor – Mohammed Anees, Gaafu Alifu Dhevvadhoo
Outstanding Young Fishing Sailor – Mohammed Afrah, Raa Dhuvaafaru
Reef Fisherman – Adam Hassan, Alifu Dhaalu Mahibadhoo
Boat with the Highest Skipjack Tuna Catch – Mahaa Vidhuvaru, Seenu Hithadhoo
Second Highest Skipjack Tuna Catch – T.S. Line, Gaafu Dhaalu Madaveli
Third Highest Skipjack Tuna Catch – Concord-2, Seenu Maradhoo
Boat with the Highest Yellowfin Tuna Catch – Javaahiru, Alifu Dhaalu Omadhoo
Second Highest Yellowfin Tuna Catch – Zoom Fisher, Alifu Alifu Rasdhoo
Third Highest Yellowfin Tuna Catch – Asurumaa, Alifu Dhaalu Mahibadhoo
Company Purchasing the Highest Volume of Skipjack Tuna – Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO)
Company Purchasing the Highest Volume of Yellowfin Tuna – Ensis Fisheries Pvt Ltd
Company Purchasing the Highest Volume of Reef Fish – SeaPartners Maldives
Highest-Income Company in Fish Collection, Processing and Export – Horizon Fisheries

The 2023 awards similarly recognised fishermen, vessels, companies, and researchers who made significant contributions to the sector. Key honourees included:

Experienced Fishing Sailor – Sham’oon Mohammed, Gaafu Alifu Villingili
Young Fishing Sailor – Abdullah Yamaan, Laamu Gan
Reef Fisherman – Safair Luthufee, Faafu Bileiydhoo
Boat with the Highest Skipjack Tuna Catch – T.S. Line, Gaafu Dhaalu Madaveli
Second Highest Skipjack Tuna Catch – Handhuvaree, Gaafu Alifu Nilandhoo
Third Highest Skipjack Tuna Catch – Safeena, Malé
Boat with the Highest Yellowfin Tuna Catch – Zoom Fisher, Alifu Alifu Rasdhoo
Second Highest Yellowfin Tuna Catch – Haisam Boat, Baa Thulhaadhoo
Third Highest Yellowfin Tuna Catch – Asurumaa-3, Alifu Dhaalu Mahibadhoo
Company Purchasing the Highest Volume of Skipjack Tuna – Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO)
Company Purchasing the Highest Volume of Yellowfin Tuna – Big Fish Maldives
Company Purchasing the Highest Volume of Reef Fish – SeaPartners Maldives
Highest-Income Company in Fish Collection, Processing and Export – Horizon Fisheries
Outstanding Research in Mariculture – Hassan Shakeel, Haa Dhaalu Vaikaradhoo
Valuable Services to the Fisheries Sector – Zahiyya Mohammed, Alifu Alifu Ukulhas
Valuable Contribution to Fisheries Product Development – Sahreefa Idhrees, Baa Thulhaadhoo
Revolutionary Contribution to the Fishing Industry – Yanmar
International Cooperation in Fisheries Development – Government of Japan

Fishermen’s Day has been observed annually in the Maldives since 10 December 1981. The celebrations honour the vital role played by fishermen and fisheries-related industries in supporting livelihoods, food security, and the national economy.

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