Fisheries Minister says government does not owe yellowfin tuna fishermen; private companies must pay millions

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said on Saturday evening that the government does not owe any money to yellowfin tuna fishermen, but that private companies are responsible for paying millions of rufiyaa owed to them.  

Speaking at the Fishermen’s Day celebrations in R. Dhuvaafaru, Shiyam stressed that until now, it has been private companies purchasing the catch from yellowfin tuna fishermen.  

“The government does not have to pay a single rufiyaa to the yellowfin tuna fishermen,” he said.  

“There are private companies that have to pay millions to yellowfin tuna fishermen. Whatever the case, no matter what work they do, workers will face losses if they do not receive the wages or income they deserve.”  

Shiyam also addressed one of the fishermen’s main concerns, the lack of fuel at the base rate. He noted that since June last year, yellowfin tuna fishing boats have been able to obtain fuel from Hulhumale' at the base rate.  

Referring to the government’s announcement on Fishermen’s Day that construction of a fish processing facility in Hulhumale' would begin next month, Shiyam said the ministry had received permission to build the factory last week and preparations are underway to start construction.  

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Criticizing previous administrations, Shiyam said the problems of yellowfin tuna fishermen were not solved because earlier governments tried to find “temporary, small solutions” rather than permanent fixes. He pledged that the current government will deliver lasting solutions.  

The yellowfin tuna fishermen are calling on the state‑owned MIFCO to begin buying yellowfin tuna, to set a minimum price of MVR 80 - 100 per kilogram, to supply fuel at the base rate, and to improve access to ice.  

In a statement issued on December 10, the fishermen’s union said it has been pressing for these promises since the start of the government’s term, holding consultation meetings with officials and fish buyers, but without progress.  

Protests were staged on Wednesday and Thursday, with fishermen saying the government has yet to fulfill its pledges. Nine people, including Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, were arrested during the demonstrations.