Since the introduction of the 48 hour payment mechanism on National Fishermen’s Day last year, fishermen have received MVR 900.3 million for 58,510 tonnes of fish.

When the Administration took office, approximately MVR 250 million in outstanding dues were owed to fishermen. The Government cleared these payments and introduced a system to ensure that fishermen receive their earnings within 48 hours of weighing.

According to official figures, monthly disbursements since the introduction of the mechanism are as follows:

• 10 to 31 December 2024: MVR 41.6 million

• January 2025: MVR 119.3 million

• February 2025: MVR 140 million

• March 2025: MVR 87.4 million

• April 2025: MVR 101.1 million

• May 2025: MVR 103.5 million

• June 2025: MVR 58.2 million

• July 2025: MVR 62.2 million

• August 2025: MVR 46.3 million

• September 2025: MVR 39.3 million

• October 2025: MVR 31.3 million

• November 2025: MVR 39.6 million

• Up to 8 December 2025: MVR 31.6 million

Alongside timely payments, the Government has also established a National Fishermen’s Register to ensure fishermen can access loans and benefit directly from Government support programmes. Additional financing schemes have been introduced to help vessel owners install Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems, aimed at improving quality, storage capacity and earnings.