The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) reported a 55.9 per cent increase in fishing activity last week, with over 370 vessels supplying their catch. Payouts to fishermen rose by 112.6 per cent to MVR 24 million, with the highest daily payout, MVR 5.1 million, made on Monday. This surge follows the government's implementation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to pay fishermen within 48 hours, boosting confidence in the sector. Meanwhile, export data from the Maldives Monetary Authority shows that fish exports reached 38,800 metric tonnes in the first five months of 2025, a 66 per cent rise from the same period in 2024, signalling strong international demand.