Fisheries Minister: Will take time permanently resolving issues fishermen face

Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Dr Hussain Rasheed Hassan on Sunday night said that it will take more time to provide permanent solutions to all the complaints of fishermen.

Speaking at the official function to celebrate Maldives’ 42nd Fishermen’s Day in GDh. Faresmaathodaa, the minister went on to state that although steps were being taken to promote the fisheries industry, there were delays in seeing the outcomes of them.

“Maldivian fisheries industry, especially pole and line fishing, and handline fishing is facing many obstacles. To overcome this, your (President Solih’s) government has taken important steps even now and has plans for more steps in the future. Although steps are being executed, I believe, still, more time will be taken to provide permanent solutions to the complaints of fishermen.”

He went on to note that fishermen do not get the best prices for their catch as they do not have access to the higher-paying markets.

Further highlighting the issues faced by fishermen, the fisheries minister listed the expansion of cast net fishing in the Indian Ocean, the prices dropping in the global market, unable to get baitfish and the fish stock in the Indian Ocean dropping among others.

“Particularly the yellowfin tuna has stooped especially low. We noted that in order to revive that, the amount fished or taken needs to be decreased by 22 percent.”

In addition to this, the minister stated that for now, the most important was given by the government towards developing Kooddoo, including increasing the fish holding capacity.