Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that governments should take the wider fisheries industry into consideration when determining fish prices, raising concerns over policies implemented by previous administrations.

Speaking on a State media programme, Minister Shiyam said earlier governments had failed to adequately consider the broader impact of fish pricing decisions on the fisheries sector, resulting in financial difficulties and delays in payments to fishermen.

The minister referred to the decision by the previous administration to increase fish prices from MVR 17 to MVR 25 per kilogram during the last presidential election period. According to the minister, the increase was implemented without sufficient assessment of the industry’s overall sustainability and financial implications.

Minister Shiyam also stated that the current Administration inherited unpaid dues amounting to around MVR 150 million owed to fishermen when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office. He said the outstanding payments had since been settled under the current Government.

The minister further stated that policies outlined in President Dr Muizzu’s manifesto were aimed at addressing long-standing challenges within the fisheries sector while ensuring sustainability for both fishermen and state fisheries operations.

Currently, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) purchases skipjack tuna at MVR 17 per kilogram. Yellowfin tuna weighing between 10 and 15 kilograms is purchased at MVR 20 per kilogram, while yellowfin tuna above 15 kilograms is purchased at MVR 25 per kilogram.