Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union (BKMU) has expressed deep concern about fishermen having to wait in harbours for extended periods to weigh their catch, while purchasing companies buy yellowfin tuna at unfairly low prices.
BKMU has previously staged protests over state-owned MIFCO's refusal to buy large yellowfin tuna and the sharp decline in tuna prices.
According to the union, the average price of yellowfin tuna currently hovers around MVR 35 per kilogram, which they described as a severe blow to the livelihood of tuna fishermen.
"Due to spending long days queued up, rejection rates for tuna are rising significantly, forcing fishermen to sell off their catch at heavily slashed prices; that is today's reality," the union stated.
Fishermen report that they are now spending more time waiting in queues to weigh their fish and secure ice supplies than they actually spend out at sea fishing.
MIFCO began purchasing yellowfin tuna in January of this year, offering MVR 20 per kilogram for tuna weighing between 10 and 15 kilograms, and MVR 25 per kilogram for fish weighing more than 15 kilograms.
These rates stand in stark contrast to the government's presidential campaign pledge to maintain yellowfin tuna prices at MVR 80-100 per kilogram.
