Concerns have surfaced regarding the unsanitary practice of washing fish intended for sale at the Male’ Fish Market with contaminated water from the harbour.
The issue came to light through a video shared on Facebook by an individual named Ahmed Munawwar. The footage depicts skipjack tuna being doused with harbour water before being packed into crates for cooling.
The harbour area adjacent to the Male’ Fish Market has high levels of waste. Furthermore, it is common for individuals in the vicinity to use the harbour waters for urination.
"Those living on the vessels in the harbour discharge their waste directly into the water. Fish blood, fish waste, and spoiled fish are also dumped there. Yet, they take water from this same harbour and pour it into the fish baskets. Tomorrow, this fish will be sold at the market. Indeed, they are selling fish washed in water contaminated by human waste," Munavvar stated in his post.
Cleaning fish with contaminated seawater poses significant public health risks. Harbours are typically concentrated with oil, debris, and sewage, making the water entirely unsuitable for food preparation.
Commenting on the video, one individual noted that the primary mandate of authorities such as the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is to monitor such activities and ensure the protection of public health.
