President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the fisheries sector and expanding economic opportunities for Maldivian fishermen, presenting the industry as both an economic cornerstone and a cultural inheritance.
Posting to social media on Fishermen’s Day, observed annually since 1981 to honour the trade and confront its challenges, President Muizzu underscored the government’s objective of maximising the economic yield derived from the nation’s marine resources. He noted the historical significance of fishing, noting that the practice has been inseparable from Maldivian life since the islands were first inhabited. The profession, he said, remains a source of national pride, deeply embedded in the country’s culture, customs, and sustenance.
Building on this heritage, the president outlined plans to broaden the scope of the industry, aiming to increase production volumes and raise household incomes for fishing families. Extending his well-wishes to those engaged in the sector, he expressed hope for continued prosperity and divine blessings for the fishing community.
Addressing longstanding concerns, the administration has enacted a policy guaranteeing that fishermen receive payment within 48 hours of selling their catch to state-owned fish processing companies, fulfilling a central campaign pledge. The government is also advancing initiatives to double storage capacity, strengthen processing facilities, and diversify the sector, positioning fisheries as the Maldives’ primary revenue generator.