Ministry facilitates involvement of more companies in Skipjack tuna sales

Photo shows Maldivian fishing boat at sea. The government of Maldives decided to permit fishermen to head out to sea at a time when the whole country is in a state of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic virus on April 17, 2020.

Fisheries Ministry has opened the opportunity for more companies to get involved in the sale of Skipjack tuna caught in the Maldives.

The Ministry said that permits for more companies to purchase tuna caught by fishermen were now opened for application in order to facilitate the sale of tuna and develop the industry even more.

The Ministry has now published a guideline on submitting proposals for the purpose which is available on the Ministry website. The Ministry will be accepting proposals during official working hours.

Under the policy for Skipjack tuna sales, companies and businesses do not require a permit to purchase less than 20 tons of fish. Other inclusions in the policy include:

Collective pricing policy
Show-based investment establishment
Collector boats to be utilized in the sale of fish
A set floor price
Purchase of fish from Maldivian vessels and the refrainment of investing in the industry.
Foreign investment
Proof of finance and work plan
Provision of statistics
Procedures and phases of obtaining permits