Fishermen Stage Protest with 49 Vessels, Demand Government Action on Yellowfin Tuna Issues

A major protest led by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), representing yellowfin tuna fishermen, saw 49 vessels depart from Hulhumalé to Malé on Wednesday. The protest, organized to coincide with Fishermen’s Day, began at 9:30 AM at the Hulhumalé Kanneli Jetty and set sail toward Malé at 1:20 PM. The fishermen are demanding the government fulfill its promises, including the purchase of yellowfin tuna by state-owned MIFCO, setting a minimum purchase price between MVR 80 and MVR 100, and providing fuel and ice at a base rate. The union claims these commitments were part of the current administration’s manifesto but have yet to be honored, despite repeated efforts to engage government officials and the Ministry of Fisheries.