Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) has issued MVR 29.3 million to fishermen by the end of March, marking a 44 per cent increase compared to MVR 20.3 million in February. The rise in payments coincides with increased fishing activity, with 591 vessels supplying catch during the month, up 14 per cent from 514 vessels in February, while total fish purchases reached 1,625 tonnes, a 37 per cent increase from the previous month.

Of the total amount disbursed, MVR 26.8 million was paid for skipjack tuna, MVR 700,000 for yellowfin tuna exceeding 10 kilograms, and MVR 1.7 million for yellowfin tuna catches above 15 kilograms. MIFCO noted that payments are now being issued within 48 hours, a policy introduced under the current Administration on 11 December 2024, contributing to improved cash flow for fishermen.