President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met with senior members of the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU). The meeting was held at the President’s Office on Monday.
At the meeting, BKMU members extended their gratitude to the President for his decision not to open the Maldivian seas to line fishing. Union members expressed their confidence that the fulfilment of the Administration’s manifesto would bring progress to the fisheries industry. They also noted with satisfaction the Administration’s efforts in compiling a fisherman’s registry.
Speaking at the meeting, the President stated that the purpose of holding such meetings is to govern close to the people. He emphasised that a comprehensive solution would be brought to the fisheries sector with the implementation of the manifesto. The President listened to the issues and concerns raised by the BKMU members.
Union members expressed their grief over the low fisheries income and the declining interest in fisheries as a career among the working population. They also highlighted the difficulties in weighing their fish and obtaining hygiene certification for fishing vessels. Additionally, they mentioned challenges in using the device for location tracking for vessels. They urged the government to explore avenues for implementing floor prices for selling fish, setting up special buoys specifically for the Yellowfin Tuna species, and protecting areas frequented by bait fish.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with a commitment to work together to resolve the issues discussed. The President assured the BKMU that he would work to address the concerns they had raised.
