BKMU voices concern over long queues, low prices and rising fish rejections

The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has raised concern over the growing difficulties faced by fishermen in selling their hard earned catch.

In a post on X, the union said it is disheartening that every fishing season, fishermen are forced to queue for long hours to sell their fish. It noted that the current average purchase price of MVR 35 per kilo is causing significant hardship for fishermen and their families.

The union added that spending more days at sea on fish purchasing and ice collection, rather than actual fishing, reduces fishermen’s income and leads to major losses.

According to BKMU, the number of fish being rejected has increased due to long queues, with fish losing the freshness required by MIFCO. The union said the price of fish has also been changed, further affecting earnings.

BKMU reiterated that the only solution is for MIFCO to begin purchasing large fish in line with the government’s presidential manifesto. Fishermen have been calling for a minimum purchase price of MVR 80-100 per kilo, subsidised fuel at base rates, and easier access to ice.

ކޮންމެ މަސްވެރި މޫސުމެއްގައިވެސް ކަންނެލި މަސްވެރިން މާޔޫސްވެ ބުރަ މަސައްކަތުން ބާނާ ކަންނެލި ކޮޅު ކިރަން ދަތިވެ ކިޔުގައި ތިބެން ޖެހުމަކީ ހިތާމަ ހުރި ކަމެއް! މިޔަދު އެވްރެޖް ކަންނެލި ކިލޯއެއްގެ އަގު 35ރ އަށް ހެދުމަކީ އެންމެހާ ކަންނެލި މަސްވެރިންނަށާއި… pic.twitter.com/aEMhKyEwQr

— Bodu Kanneli Masveringe union- BKMU (@FishermensUnion) July 26, 2026

In a statement issued on December 10, the union said it has been calling for the fulfilment of these promises since the beginning of the government’s term. Fishermen also staged a protest near the canal entrance to Male’, saying the government has yet to deliver on its commitments.

The union further expressed concern over difficulties in obtaining ice from MIFCO’s ice plants amid the recent decline in fishing.

To address the concerns, the government has decided to reopen the FSM terminal in Hulhumale’ and K.Himmafushi. Fuel at subsidised prices has also been made available at the Himmafushi FSM shed.

Fishing activity has declined in recent months, along with the amount disbursed by MIFCO to fishermen. Payments fell from MVR 78 million in April to MVR 31.1 million in May, and further dropped to MVR 11.3 million in June.