Fishermen protest at Kooddoo Office over delays in weighing fish

Local fishermen are protesting at Kooddoo Office over concerns regarding delays in weighing fish.

A participant of the protest told Sun that the boats which ported at Kooddoo this morning – have still not been able to have their fish weighed.

“Boats ported after completing fishing at around 8:00am. They said the fish will be weighed at 9:00am back then. Then 9:00am changed to 10:00am, and 10:00am to 11:00am. We have yet to have our fish weighed,” the fisherman had said.

The fisherman emphasized that they are “stuck” at Kooddoo after porting at the island to weigh their fish – also adding that they have no access to ice on the island.

“We have to run to different places to find some ice as well,” he had said.

The fisherman also detailed that when Kooddoo Office employees failed to give an answer when they were inquired on when the fish can be weighed. Therefore, the fisherman said that he is unable to say when the fish can be weighed.

He also noted that there were nine boats ported at the island to weigh their fish; each boat carrying about four to five tons of fish. He added that delays in weighing the fish and difficulties in procuring ice have increased the chances of the fish going bad.

Speaking further, the fisherman said that the process of weighing fish has been similar to this for a period of years, and it needs a proper solution. The protesters also called on senior officials from Kooddoo Office to tender their resignation if they cannot solve the issue.

When inquired regarding the matter, an official from Kooddoo Office told Sun that the delay in weighing fish was caused by a technical error. The official also declined that a protest was held – adding that they have now commenced weighing the fish.