Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that the Government is undertaking efforts to increase the value of fish procured from Maldivian fishermen by expanding value-added fish processing and export capacity.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Shiyam said increasing the processing capacity of Maldivian fish has long been discussed but limited progress had been made in the past due to the lack of sufficient infrastructure and sustained investment in the sector.

The minister noted that improving value-added processing is essential to ensure better income for fishermen. Currently, around 105 tonnes of fish are processed daily in the Maldives, including production carried out by Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) and private sector companies.

He added that the Government is now working to significantly expand this capacity through several fisheries infrastructure projects across the country. In addition to the existing 50-tonne fish processing plant in Felivaru, efforts are underway to establish a new facility capable of processing an additional 100 tonnes of fish per day.

Land reclamation is also ongoing in Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree for the development of fisheries facilities, including a 100-tonne ice plant and a fishmeal production plant with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day.

The minister further revealed that land reclamation for a 50-tonne fish processing facility in Faafu Nilandhoo is scheduled to begin within the next two days, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permit already granted to commence work on 8 March. In addition, work is underway to establish another fish processing facility in Seenu Hulhudhoo in efforts to expand fisheries infrastructure nationwide.

Minister Shiyam said that once the planned developments are completed, the Maldives’ cold storage capacity will increase from 9,500 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes, while daily fish processing capacity is expected to rise from 105 tonnes to approximately 300 tonnes.