In a bold affirmation of his administration’s commitment to uplifting the backbone of the Maldivian economy, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government’s ambitious fisheries sector transformation plan is well underway — with all major initiatives on track for completion within two years.
Speaking during the latest episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, President Muizzu laid out a comprehensive roadmap that promises to reshape the fishing industry and restore dignity, profit, and opportunity to fishermen across the archipelago. His strategic approach blends infrastructure development, financial reform, and education — a trifecta aimed at securing the long-term viability of Maldives’ most vital traditional livelihood.
One of the central pillars of this transformation is a dramatic expansion of tuna storage and processing capacity. The President revealed that skipjack tuna storage will increase from 8,500 to 25,000 tonnes, while fish processing will triple — from 115 to 355 tonnes. These fully funded projects, Muizzu stressed, will proceed without delay, delivering visible, life-changing outcomes in the near future.
Equally pressing, the longstanding challenges of fuel and ice accessibility are being addressed head-on. The government is establishing designated fuel supply islands in every atoll by year’s end, where fishermen will receive fuel at STO-controlled prices. Simultaneously, construction of new ice plants, cold storage units, and processing centres is accelerating nationwide. Recognising the game-changing potential of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems, President Muizzu also introduced new loan schemes to help fishermen adopt this critical technology.
Crucially, the Muizzu administration is not just investing in infrastructure — it is revolutionising the financial security of the fishing community. Delivering on a key pledge, the government has ensured payments to fishermen are completed within 48 hours, a move that has revitalised interest in fishing among the younger generation. Since last Fishermen’s Day alone, over MVR 470 million has been paid out swiftly and without disruption — a feat that marks a historic milestone in sector stability.
Further enhancing financial inclusion, the government has completed registration of 95% of all fishing vessels under the national registry. This initiative is paving the way for banks and institutions to recognise fishing as a secure, bankable profession, opening doors to credit and financial services previously out of reach for many.
The President also highlighted strides in marine safety and sustainability. This term alone, 18 new fish aggregating devices (FADs) have been deployed, while 21 damaged units have been restored. In parallel, 56 trained rescue divers have been assigned across the same number of vessels, ensuring that safety accompanies the sector’s expansion.
Looking to the future, President Muizzu announced that the Maldives College for Fisheries and Ocean Sciences will continue to offer full scholarships to 45 students annually pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Fisheries Management. Additional specialised training programs are being rolled out to prepare the next generation of marine professionals.
With vision, resolve, and rapid execution, President Muizzu is delivering on his promise to empower the fishermen of the Maldives — not with handouts, but with systems, dignity, and opportunity. The tide is turning, and the country’s fishing community is finally sailing toward a future anchored in prosperity.
