The state-owned Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has begun purchasing yellowfin tuna weighing between 10 and 15 kilograms at a rate of MVR 20 per kilo, effective Tuesday.
MIFCO had earlier started buying yellowfin tuna at MVR 25 per kilo from its Kandu Oiy Giri facility on January 10.
A memo issued on Tuesday by MIFCO CEO Farhath Shaheer announced revised purchase prices for all company centres and vessels. According to the directive sent to the Felivaru Fisheries Complex, Kooddoo and Addu facilities, fish weighing 10–15 kg will be bought at MVR 20, while tuna above 15 kg will continue to be purchased at MVR 25.
Yellowfin fishermen have long expressed frustration that the government has not fulfilled key promises made to the sector. Their demands include resuming yellowfin purchases at stable rates, setting a minimum price of MVR 80–100, supplying fuel at base rate, and ensuring easier access to ice.
Tensions escalated last year when nine individuals, including Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, were arrested during a Fishermen’s Day protest near the Male' City canal.
Five days after the protest, 20 fishermen held an extended meeting with the fisheries minister, after which they said they received a promising response to their concerns.