President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that all major initiatives launched to support the Maldivian fishing community will be completed within the next two years, with measurable improvements expected to benefit fishermen across the country.
Speaking on the fourth episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President detailed a range of strategic projects currently underway, aimed at transforming the fisheries value chain and improving livelihoods. He highlighted that skipjack tuna storage capacity will triple — from 8,500 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes — while processing capacity is set to expand from 115 tonnes to 355 tonnes. President Muizzu emphasized that these developments are fully funded and will move ahead without delays.
Addressing long-standing challenges in the sector, the President said the government is focused on improving access to critical resources such as fuel and ice. By the end of 2025, each atoll will have designated islands where fuel is available at State Trading Organisation (STO) rates. The construction of cold storage facilities, ice plants, and fish processing centers on several islands is progressing swiftly.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to work in consultation with fishermen, the President announced new loan schemes to support the adoption of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems, which he called a cornerstone for modernizing the sector.
A key highlight was the implementation of a 48-hour payment guarantee for fishermen, which has helped revitalize youth participation in fishing. Since last Fishermen’s Day, the government has disbursed over MVR 470 million in uninterrupted payments. The initiative, Dr Muizzu said, is driving the shift toward fully Maldivian-crewed fishing vessels.
The President also noted that the national fishermen’s registry now covers 95% of vessels, a move aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and enabling access to credit by formally recognising fishing as a viable income source.
In addition, 18 new fish aggregating devices (FADs) have been installed during the current term, while 21 damaged FADs have been restored. To improve maritime safety, 56 rescue divers have been trained and assigned across an equal number of vessels.
Looking ahead, the Maldives National University’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences will continue offering full scholarships to 45 students annually in Fisheries Management. The administration also plans to introduce specialized training programs in marine-related disciplines to strengthen long-term sector capacity.
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