Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen Continue Protest, Demand Government Action

Yellowfin tuna fishermen have vowed to continue their protest until the government meets their demands, as the demonstration entered its second day. The protest, organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), began on Wednesday morning from the Hulhumale’ jetty before moving toward Male’ City. Fishermen accuse the government of failing to fulfill its promise to purchase and market yellowfin tuna, ensuring a steady revenue stream for them. Dozens of boats remain gathered in the waters off Male’, with the Coast Guard and police closely monitoring the situation. A member of BKMU’s executive committee stated that the protest will persist until their demands are met. Maroof Zakir, BKMU’s secretary-general and a Member of Parliament, criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration for not addressing fishermen’s concerns despite two years in office. The fishermen are demanding three key pledges from the government: the commencement of yellowfin tuna purchases by Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), a floor price of MVR 80–100 per kilo, and improved access to fuel and ice. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam acknowledged their concerns on social media, stating that the government is working on delivering its pledges and will begin constructing a yellowfin tuna processing plant in Hulhumale’ in January.