President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has taken part in the rally organized by Bodu Kanneli Masverige Union (BKMU), to raise concerns pertaining to yellowfin tuna fishing in the Maldives.
BKMU's President Hussain Nasheed has previously told Sun that the union — after holding its annual meeting on December 10 in conjunction with National Fishermen's Day — will raise concerns of the fishing community.
He also noted some 70-100 fishing boats are expected to join the rally that will be at sea.
President's Office's Spokesperson Mabrook Azeez said that after listening to the concerns of the fishermen — President Solih assured to work on increasing the market prices for yellowfin tuna and expanding the export of yellowfin tuna for more countries.
He also revealed that additional 18 ice plants are being established to store the catch, by holding its freshness and quality, In addition, he noted that discussions will be held with Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to make arrangements for boats to port at Male' area.
BKMU was founded and its inaugural meeting was held on Fishermen’s Day last year.
BKMU's President Nasheed said that authorities have yet to address the concerns raised by the union last year — so the concerns raised this year shall be fairly the same.
He said that the main concerns of the fishermen remain the lack of fair price for yellowfin tuna, and the low income for the fishermen due to the low price.