The Government of Maldives is developing arrangements to connect reef fishermen directly with tourist resorts as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic demand for locally caught fish and create more reliable income opportunities for fishing communities.
Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam informed Parliament that reef fishermen, particularly those operating near the Greater Malé region and in atolls with a high concentration of tourism resorts, continue to face challenges in selling their catch directly to tourism establishments.
Responding to a question raised by Kendhoo Member of Parliament Mauroof Zakir, Minister Shiyam said resolving these market access difficulties remains an important priority for the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The government is seeking to establish a more coordinated system through which fishermen can supply fresh, locally caught seafood to resorts operating within or near their fishing areas.
The recently established Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation is working with resorts in selected regions to introduce direct purchasing arrangements. Although a comprehensive nationwide mechanism has not yet been finalised, the initiative is expected to improve coordination between fishermen, suppliers and tourism establishments while reducing barriers that currently limit direct sales.
Tourism resorts represent a significant potential market for Maldivian reef fish and other locally sourced seafood products. Resorts across the country serve a diverse international clientele and require consistent supplies of fresh, high-quality food products. Strengthening direct procurement from local fishermen could provide resorts with greater access to traceable and freshly harvested seafood while supporting local livelihoods and retaining a larger share of tourism-related expenditure within the Maldivian economy.
Direct supply arrangements could also help reduce the time between harvesting and delivery, improve product freshness and allow fishermen to better understand the quality, quantity and delivery requirements of tourism establishments. A structured system could enable fishermen to plan their operations based on demand while allowing resorts to build dependable relationships with nearby island communities and local suppliers.
The Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation was established to market fish caught by Maldivian fishermen in domestic and international markets, identify new commercial opportunities and undertake promotional activities aimed at increasing the value and visibility of Maldivian seafood products.
The corporation is also developing a dedicated brand for Maldivian fish products, with plans to position locally caught seafood as a premium offering. The branding initiative is expected to highlight the quality and origin of Maldivian fish while strengthening its recognition among domestic buyers, tourism establishments and international consumers.
Its work includes expanding access to the domestic market, identifying new export destinations and improving the commercial positioning of fish products. The corporation’s engagement with resorts is expected to form an important part of these efforts, given the tourism industry’s extensive presence across the Maldives and its demand for premium food products.
Minister Shiyam also outlined government plans to address challenges affecting the yellowfin tuna industry. A contract has been awarded for the construction of a yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumalé with a processing capacity of 100 metric tonnes.
The facility is expected to be completed within 18 months and is intended to strengthen domestic processing capacity, support value addition and improve market opportunities for yellowfin tuna fishermen. It is being developed jointly by the Government of Maldives and the Islamic Development Bank through loan financing.
The processing facility was initially planned for Kanduohgiri but was later relocated to Hulhumalé following the availability of suitable land. Its location in Hulhumalé is expected to provide convenient access to transport, logistics and commercial services within the Greater Malé region.
Minister Shiyam said the government also intends to increase the volume of yellowfin tuna purchased by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company and fulfil the commitments made to fishermen. These initiatives form part of the administration’s wider efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector, improve market access and increase the economic value generated from the Maldives’ marine resources.
advertisment
advertisment
