President pledges to resolve major fisheries issues by mid-2023

The major issues facing the Maldivian fisheries sector will be resolved by mid-2023, states President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

President Solih, who is in GDh. Faresmaathoda to join Fishermen’s Day celebration, made the pledge in a meeting with fishermen from the island Sunday evening.

During the meeting, fishermen expressed concern over difficulties in selling their catch, delays in payment for their catch, difficulties in accessing ice for storage of their catch, and difficulties in getting fuel.

They also expressed concern over difficulties in using satellite phones on fishing boats, and difficulties in paying fishermen due to the bank limit.

Speaking at the meeting, President Solih said the challenges facing the fisheries sector stem from failure of governments to invest in development of the sector to meet the development of fishing vessels.

There has not been sufficient effort in this front in the past 10-15 years, he said.

President Solih pledged to resolve the major issues facing the fisheries sector by mid-1023.

President Solih said his administration is engaged in multiple efforts to solve the challenges facing the sector, including increasing the capacity of fisheries companies.

At the meeting, President Solih noted the importance of Faresmaathoda and its surrounding area in the Maldivian fisheries sector.

Fisheries Ministry, in collaboration with the Faresmaathoda Council, has multiple activities planned to celebrate Fishermen’s Day, including a fishermen’s forum, a career guidance program targeting school children and youth, a reef fishing competition, a fish cutting competition, and a fisheries expo.