Two members of the Male' City Council have condemned the obstruction of fishermen who were trying to enter the lagoon of the capital city to protest on Fishermen's Day.

Councilors Saif Fatih and Mariyam Nazima condemned the Coast Guard for blocking the fishermen's protest.

Saif and Nazima issued a statement saying the Coast Guard cannot close the area without informing the city council.

“It is unacceptable to turn a deaf ear to the complaints and concerns of the fishermen, especially on this Fishermen's Day,” the statement said.

Forty-nine boats joined the fishermen's protest on Wednesday. They made three demands to the government.

1. Government should resume purchasing yellow fin tuna
2. Fix the price between MVR 80 and 100
3. Provide oil and ice at base rates

“We are calling on the government to fulfill the promises made to fishermen,” said Hussein Nasheed, the President of Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union.

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said the government is trying to fulfill its promises to the fishermen. He has repeated this statement every time fishermen decide to protest.