Protesting fishermen demand fulfillment of govt’s pledges

Fishermen in different parts of the Maldives launched protests on Wednesday, demanding that the government deliver its pledges.

The protests, in the capital Male’ region and in GA. Madaveli in the south, were organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) - a trade Union of yellowfin tuna fishermen.

Multiple yellowfin tuna fishing boats joined in the protest in Hulhumale’.

They are demanding that the government to drop its plans to allow commercial longline fishing.

BKMU protest urging for fair price and calling immediate stop licensing longline fishing. @iufap @SolidarityCntr @MFORmv @mtucMV pic.twitter.com/LwcYg6kaZA

— Bodu Kanneli Masveringe union- BKMU (@FishermensUnion) June 12, 2024

Meanwhile, the fishermen in Madaveli are protesting due to delays in payments for their catch.

Madaveli Council’s president Fiyaz Hassan told Sun that the protest had been peaceful, and that Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam called to listen to their concerns.

He said that Shiyam provided assurance he was working on resolving the issue.

On Tuesday, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) said there were MVR 80 million in pending payments to fishermen. The company said it would settle the dues within two days.